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Peng TL, Syazwan SA, Hamdan RH, Najwa NS, Ramli MF, Harshiny N, Ishak IH. Virulence and proteomic responses of Metarhizium anisopliae against Aedes albopictus larvae. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 203:105982. [PMID: 39084787 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The tropical climate in Malaysia provides an ideal environment for the rapid proliferation of Aedes mosquitoes, notably Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, prominent vectors of dengue fever. Alarmingly, these species are increasingly developing resistance to conventional pesticides. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Metarhizium anisopliae isolate HSAH5 spores, specifically on conidia (CO) and blastospores (BL), against Ae. albopictus larvae. The study centered on evaluating their pathogenic effects and the resultant changes in protein expression. Spore suspensions with varying concentrations were prepared for larvicidal bioassays, and protein expressions were analysed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Subsequently, protein annotation and network analysis were conducted to elucidate infection mechanisms and the proteomic response. Based on the lethal concentrations and time frames, CO exhibited faster larval mortality than BL at lower concentrations. Despite this, both spore types demonstrated comparable overall pathogenic effects. Results from the proteomic profiling revealed 150 proteins with varied expressions following exposure to Ae. albopictus extract, shedding light on distinct infection strategies between the spores. Gene Ontology enrichment and network analysis illustrated the diverse metabolic adaptations of M. anisopliae and interactions with mosquito larvae. This highlighted the complexity of host-pathogen dynamics and the significance of biosynthetic processes, energy storage, and cellular interaction pathways in disease progression. The BL network, consisting 80 proteins and 74 connections, demonstrates the intricate fungal mechanisms triggered by host stimuli. Conversely, the CO network, though smaller, displayed notable interconnectivity and concentrated involvement at the cell periphery, suggesting a deliberate strategy for initial host contact. This study offers valuable insights into proteome dynamics of M. anisopliae's BL and CO for managing mosquito populations and combating disease transmission, thereby significantly advancing public health and environmental conservation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan Li Peng
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, 16100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Samsuddin Ahmad Syazwan
- Mycology and Pathology Branch, Forest Biodiversity Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Forest Science and Biodiversity, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ruhil Hayati Hamdan
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, 16100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Nurainun Sofea Najwa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, 16100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Fahmi Ramli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Pengkalan Chepa, 16100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Nalliah Harshiny
- Mycology and Pathology Branch, Forest Biodiversity Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Forest Science and Biodiversity, Faculty of Forestry and Environment, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Intan Haslina Ishak
- School of Biological Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Persiaran Sains, 11800 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
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Paixão FRS, Falvo ML, Huarte-Bonnet C, Santana M, García JJ, Fernandes ÉKK, Pedrini N. Pathogenicity of microsclerotia from Metarhizium robertsii against Aedes aegypti larvae and antimicrobial peptides expression by mosquitoes during fungal-host interaction. Acta Trop 2024; 249:107061. [PMID: 37918505 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107061] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is a vector of various disease-causing arboviruses. Chemical insecticide-based methods for mosquito control have increased resistance in different parts of the world. Thus, alternative control agents such as the entomopathogenic fungi are excellent candidates to control mosquitoes as part of an ecofriendly strategy. There is evidence of the potential of entomopathogenic fungal conidia and blastospores for biological control of eggs, larval and adult stages, as well as the pathogenicity of fungal microsclerotia against adults and eggs. However, there are no studies on the pathogenicity of microsclerotia against either aquatic insects or insects that develop part of their life cycle in the water, such as the A. aegypti larvae. In this study, we assayed the production of microsclerotia and their pathogenicity against A. aegypti larvae of two isolates of Metarhizium robertsii, i.e., CEP 423 isolated in La Plata, Argentina, and the model ARSEF 2575. Both isolates significantly reduced the survival of A. aegypti exposed to their microsclerotia. The fungus-larva interaction resulted in a delayed response in the host. This was evidenced by the expression of some humoral immune system genes such as defensins and cecropin on the 9th day post-infection, when the fungal infection was consolidated as a successful process that culminates in larvae mortality. In conclusion, M. robertsii microsclerotia are promising propagules to be applied as biological control agents against mosquitoes since they produce pathogenic conidia against A. aegypti larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia R S Paixão
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CCT La Plata Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), calles 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Marianel L Falvo
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE), CCT La Plata Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), calles 60 y 122, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Carla Huarte-Bonnet
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CCT La Plata Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), calles 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Marianela Santana
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CCT La Plata Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), calles 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Juan J García
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE), CCT La Plata Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), calles 60 y 122, 1900 La Plata, Argentina
| | - Éverton K K Fernandes
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, 74690-900, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Nicolás Pedrini
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CCT La Plata Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), calles 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
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3
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Esparza-Mora MA, Mazumdar T, Jiang S, Radek R, Thiem JN, Feng L, Petrašiūnaitė V, Banasiak R, Golian M, Gleske M, Lucas C, Springer A, Buellesbach J, McMahon DP. Defensive behavior is linked to altered surface chemistry following infection in a termite society. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20606. [PMID: 37996442 PMCID: PMC10667546 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42947-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The care-kill response determines whether a sick individual will be treated or eliminated from an insect society, but little is known about the physiological underpinnings of this process. We exploited the stepwise infection dynamics of an entomopathogenic fungus in a termite to explore how care-kill transitions occur, and identify the chemical cues behind these shifts. We found collective responses towards pathogen-injected individuals to vary according to severity and timing of pathogen challenge, with elimination, via cannibalism, occurring sooner in response to a severe active infection. However, injection with inactivated fungal blastospores also resulted in increased albeit delayed cannibalism, even though it did not universally cause host death. This indicates that the decision to eliminate an individual is triggered before pathogen viability or terminal disease status has been established. We then compared the surface chemistry of differently challenged individuals, finding increased amounts of long-chained methyl-branched alkanes with similar branching patterns in individuals injected with both dead and viable fungal blastospores, with the latter showing the largest increase. This coincided with the highest amounts of observed cannibalism as well as signs of severe moribundity. Our study provides new mechanistic insight into the emergent collective behaviors involved in the disease defense of a termite society.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Alejandra Esparza-Mora
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tilottama Mazumdar
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
| | - Shixiong Jiang
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
| | - Renate Radek
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julian N Thiem
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Linshan Feng
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vesta Petrašiūnaitė
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ronald Banasiak
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marek Golian
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstraße 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Melanie Gleske
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstraße 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Christophe Lucas
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte (UMR7261), CNRS-University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Andreas Springer
- Core Facility BioSupraMol, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Buellesbach
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstraße 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Dino P McMahon
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
- Department for Materials and Environment, BAM Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany.
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Wu S, Toews MD, Behle RW, Barman AK, Sparks AN, Simmons AM, Shapiro-Ilan DI. Post-Application Field Persistence and Efficacy of Cordyceps javanica against Bemisia tabaci. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:827. [PMID: 37623598 PMCID: PMC10455680 DOI: 10.3390/jof9080827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, Cordyceps javanica Wf GA17, a causing agent of whitefly epizootics in southern Georgia, demonstrated superior temperature tolerance and higher virulence against the whitefly Bemisia tabaci than commercial strains in the laboratory. The post-application persistence and efficacy of this fungus against B. tabaci were compared with that of the commercially available C. javanica Apopka97 strain over a two-year field study in cotton and vegetable crops. When blastospores of both strains were applied alone, whitefly populations were not effectively suppressed. Thus, JMS stylet oil was added to fungal treatments for enhancing efficacy and persistence. For 0-day samples, all fungal treatments caused similar but significant levels of immature mortality regardless of fungal strain, propagule form (conidia vs. blastospores), and application method (alone or mixed with JMS). In follow-up samplings, Wf GA17 blastospores + JMS achieved higher control levels than other treatments in some trials, but the efficacy did not last long. The JMS oil alone caused significant mortality and suppressed whiteflies. Over 90% of spores lost viability 24 h after treatment in all fungal treatments. Across evaluation times, there was no difference between the two fungal strains (conidia or blastospores, alone or combined with JMS), but conidia persisted better than blastospores for both strains. Overall, the field persistence and efficacy of C. javanica did not last long; therefore, improved delivery methods and formulations are needed for enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohui Wu
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, 2360 Rainwater Road, Tifton, GA 31793, USA; (S.W.); (A.K.B.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Michael D. Toews
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, 2360 Rainwater Road, Tifton, GA 31793, USA; (S.W.); (A.K.B.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Robert W. Behle
- National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, USDA-ARS, 1815 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604, USA;
| | - Apurba K. Barman
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, 2360 Rainwater Road, Tifton, GA 31793, USA; (S.W.); (A.K.B.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Alton N. Sparks
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, 2360 Rainwater Road, Tifton, GA 31793, USA; (S.W.); (A.K.B.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Alvin M. Simmons
- U.S. Vegetable Laboratory, USDA-ARS, 2700 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29414, USA;
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Gomes SA, Carolino AT, Teodoro TBP, Silva GA, Bitencourt RDOB, Silva CP, Alkhaibari AM, Butt TM, Samuels RI. The Potential of Metarhizium anisopliae Blastospores to Control Aedes aegypti Larvae in the Field. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:759. [PMID: 37504747 PMCID: PMC10381131 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi are promising as an environmentally benign alternative to chemical pesticides for mosquito control. The current study investigated the virulence of Metarhizium anisopliae blastospores against Aedes aegypti under both laboratory and field conditions. Virulence bioassays of conidia and blastospores were conducted in the laboratory, while field simulation bioassays were conducted under two conditions: totally shaded (TS) or partially shaded (PS). In the first bioassay (zero h), the larvae were added to the cups shortly after the preparation of the blastospores, and in the subsequent assays, larvae were added to the cups 3, 6, 9, and 12 days later. The survival of the larvae exposed to blastospores in the laboratory was zero on day two, as was the case for the larvae exposed to conidia on the sixth day. Under TS conditions, zero survival was seen on the third day of the bioassay. Under PS conditions, low survival rates were recorded on day 7. For the persistence bioassay under PS conditions, low survival rates were also observed. Metarhizium anisopliae blastospores were more virulent to Ae. aegypti larvae than conidia in the laboratory. Blastospores remained virulent under field simulation conditions. However, virulence rapidly declined from the third day of field bioassays. Formulating blastospores in vegetable oil could protect these propagules when applied under adverse conditions. This is the first time that blastospores have been tested against mosquito larvae under simulated field conditions, and the current study could be the basis for the development of a new biological control agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Azevedo Gomes
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Aline Teixeira Carolino
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Thais Berçot Pontes Teodoro
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Gerson Adriano Silva
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Ricardo de Oliveira Barbosa Bitencourt
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Carlos Peres Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Abeer M Alkhaibari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tariq M Butt
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PB, UK
| | - Richard Ian Samuels
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
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Qin Y, Liu X, Peng G, Xia Y, Cao Y. Recent Advancements in Pathogenic Mechanisms, Applications and Strategies for Entomopathogenic Fungi in Mosquito Biocontrol. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:746. [PMID: 37504734 PMCID: PMC10381795 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal diseases are widespread among insects and play a crucial role in naturally regulating insect populations. Mosquitoes, known as vectors for numerous infectious diseases, pose a significant threat to human health. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have emerged as highly promising alternative agents to chemical mosquitocides for controlling mosquitoes at all stages of their life cycle due to their unique infection pathway through direct contact with the insect's cuticle. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in understanding the infection pathways and pathogenic mechanisms of EPF against mosquitoes. Various strategies involving the use of EPF alone or combinations with other approaches have been employed to target mosquitoes at various developmental stages. Moreover, the application of genetic technologies in fungi has opened up new avenues for enhancing the mosquitocidal efficacy of EPF. This review presents a comprehensive summary of recent advancements in our understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of EPF, their applications in mosquito management, and the combination of EPF with other approaches and employment of transgenic technologies. The biosafety concerns associated with their use and the corresponding approaches are also discussed. The recent progress suggests that EPF have the potential to serve as a future biorational tool for controlling mosquito vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Qin
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Guoxiong Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yuxian Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Yueqing Cao
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing 401331, China
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticides, Chongqing 401331, China
- Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation Technologies, Chongqing Municipal Education Commission, Chongqing 401331, China
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Hermann KM, Grünberger A, Patel AV. Polyvinyl alcohol coating releasing fungal blastospores improves kill effect of attract-and-kill beads. AMB Express 2023; 13:72. [PMID: 37432529 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-023-01575-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a biodegradable, water-soluble polymer with excellent film forming properties, commonly studied or used as tablet coating, food packaging or controlled release fertilizers. Attract-and-kill (AK) beads are sustainable, microbial alternatives to synthetic soil insecticides, whose onset of lethal effect largely depend on how fast the encapsulated entomopathogenic fungus forms virulent conidia. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a water-soluble coating accelerating the kill effect of AK beads by immediately releasing virulent Metarhizium brunneum CB15-III blastospores. We assessed three PVA types (PVA 4-88, 8-88, 10-98) which differed in their degree of hydrolysis or molecular weight for their ability to release viable blastospores from thin films after drying at 60-40 °C, and examined how polyethylene glycol and soy-lecithin impact the blastospore survival. Finally, we evaluated the effectiveness of coated AK beads in a bioassay against Tenebrio molitor larvae. The blastospore release rate quadrupled within the first 5 min with decreasing molecular weight and degree of hydrolysis, with PVA 4-88 releasing 79 ± 19% blastospores. Polyethylene glycol and soy-lecithin significantly increased the blastospore survival to 18-28% for all three PVA types. Coated beads exhibited a uniform, 22.4 ± 7.3 µm thin coating layer, with embedded blastospores, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The blastospore coating increased the mortality rate of T. molitor larvae over uncoated AK beads, decreasing the median lethal time from 10 to 6 days. Consequently, the blastospore coating accelerated the kill effect of regular AK beads. These findings pave the way to enhanced pest control efficacy from coated systems such as beads or seeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina M Hermann
- Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics, Fermentation and Formulation of Biologicals and Chemicals, Hochschule Bielefeld - University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Bielefeld, Germany
- Faculty of Technology, Multiscale Bioengineering, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Alexander Grünberger
- Faculty of Technology, Multiscale Bioengineering, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Anant V Patel
- Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics, Fermentation and Formulation of Biologicals and Chemicals, Hochschule Bielefeld - University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Bielefeld, Germany.
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Mascarin GM, Kobori NN, Coleman JJ, Jackson MA. Impact of osmotic stress on production, morphology, and fitness of Beauveria bassiana blastospores. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s00253-023-12631-z. [PMID: 37358812 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12631-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Beauveria bassiana is a cosmopolitan entomopathogenic fungus that can infect over 1000 insect species. During growth inside the host, B. bassiana transitions from hyphal to yeast-like unicellular growth as blastospores. Blastospores are well suited as an active ingredient in biopesticides due to their ease of production by liquid fermentation. Herein, we investigated the impact of hyperosmotic growth environments mediated by ionic and non-ionic osmolytes on two strains of B. bassiana (ESALQ1432 and GHA) relevant to growth morphology, blastospore production, desiccation tolerance, and insecticidal activity. Polyethylene glycol (PEG200) increased osmotic pressure in submerged cultures leading to decreased blastospore size but higher blastospore yields for one strain. Morphologically, decreased blastospore size was linked to increased osmotic pressure. However, smaller blastospores from PEG200 supplemented cultures after air-drying exhibited delayed germination. Ionic osmolytes (NaCl and KCl) generated the same osmotic pressure (2.5-2.7 MPa) as 20% glucose and boosted blastospore yields (> 2.0 × 109 blastospores mL-1). Fermentation performed in a bench-scale bioreactor consistently promoted high blastospore yields when using NaCl (2.5 MPa) amended media within 3 days. Mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) were similarly susceptible to NaCl-grown blastospores and aerial conidia in a dose-time-dependent manner. Collectively, these results demonstrate the use of hyperosmotic liquid culture media in triggering enhanced yeast-like growth by B. bassiana. Understanding the role of osmotic pressure on blastospore formation and fitness will hasten the development of viable commercial fungal biopesticides. KEY POINTS: • Osmotic pressure plays a critical role in submerged fermentation of B. bassiana. • Ionic/non-ionic osmolytes greatly impact blastospore morphology, fitness, and yield. • Desiccation tolerance and bioefficacy of blastospores are affected by the osmolyte.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Moura Mascarin
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Environment, Rodovia SP 340, Km 127.5, Jaguariúna, SP, 13918-110, Brazil.
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, 1815 N. University St, Peoria, IL, 61604, USA.
| | - Nilce Naomi Kobori
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, 1815 N. University St, Peoria, IL, 61604, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Coleman
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Mark Alan Jackson
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, 1815 N. University St, Peoria, IL, 61604, USA
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Bitencourt RDOB, dos Santos-Mallet JR, Lowenberger C, Ventura A, Gôlo PS, Bittencourt VREP, Angelo IDC. A Novel Model of Pathogenesis of Metarhizium anisopliae Propagules through the Midguts of Aedes aegypti Larvae. INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14040328. [PMID: 37103143 PMCID: PMC10146130 DOI: 10.3390/insects14040328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the effect of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae against Aedes aegypti. Conidia of M. anisopliae strains CG 489, CG 153, and IBCB 481 were grown in Adamek medium under different conditions to improve blastospore production. Mosquito larvae were exposed to blastospores or conidia of the three fungal strains at 1 × 107 propagules mL-1. M. anisopliae IBCB 481 and CG 153 reduced larval survival by 100%, whereas CG 489 decreased survival by about 50%. Blastospores of M. anisopliae IBCB 481 had better results in lowering larval survival. M. anisopliae CG 489 and CG 153 reduced larval survival similarly. For histopathology (HP) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), larvae were exposed to M. anisopliae CG 153 for 24 h or 48 h. SEM confirmed the presence of fungi in the digestive tract, while HP confirmed that propagules reached the hemocoel via the midgut, damaged the peritrophic matrix, caused rupture and atrophy of the intestinal mucosa, caused cytoplasmic disorganization of the enterocytes, and degraded the brush border. Furthermore, we report for the first time the potential of M. anisopliae IBCB 481 to kill Ae. aegypti larvae and methods to improve the production of blastospores.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacenir Reis dos Santos-Mallet
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, IOC-FIOCRUZ-RJ, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, RJ, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, IOC-FIOCRUZ-PI, Teresina 64001-350, PI, Brazil
- Laboratory of Surveillance and Biodiversity in Health, Iguaçu University-UNIG, Nova Iguaçu 28300-000, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Adriana Ventura
- Department of Animal Biology, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica 23890-000, RJ, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Silva Gôlo
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica 23890-000, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Isabele da Costa Angelo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica 23890-000, RJ, Brazil
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10
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Alkhaibari AM, Wood MJ, Yavasoglu SI, Bull JC, Butt TM. Optimizing the Application Timing and Dosage of Metarhizium brunneum (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) as a Biological Control Agent of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:339-345. [PMID: 36539333 PMCID: PMC9989833 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) is the principal vector of dengue and other viruses that cause disease among 100 to 400 million people each year. The recent development of widespread insecticidal resistance has led to the rapid development of biological control solutions aimed at larval control. While the efficacy of Metarhizium brunneum has been shown against Aedes larvae, the impact of larval population dynamics will need to be determined to formulate effective control strategies. In this study, larvae were subjected to four concentrations of M. brunneum (105, 106, 107, 108 conidia ml-1). Larvae were found to be susceptible to M. brunneum with dose-dependent efficacy. When constant larval immigration was added as a parameter, peak mortality was consistently found to occur on the fourth day, before a significant reduction in control efficacy linked to a decline in conidial availability within the water column. This suggests that M. brunneum treatments should be applied at a concentration 1 × 107 conidia ml-1 every four days to effectively control mosquito larvae in the field, regardless of the fungal formulation, water volume, or larval density. Understanding fungal-mosquito dynamics is critical in developing appropriate control programs as it helps optimize the fungal control agent's dose and frequency of application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - S I Yavasoglu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, 09100, Aydın, Turkiye
| | - J C Bull
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - T M Butt
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
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11
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Entomopathogenic Fungi as a Potential Management Tool for the Control of Urban Malaria Vector, Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae). J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:jof9020223. [PMID: 36836337 PMCID: PMC9966075 DOI: 10.3390/jof9020223] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) is the vector of urban malaria in India and has a significant impact in transmitting infection in cities and towns. Further, WHO has also alarmed its invasive nature as a threat to African countries. Entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae have been found to be highly effective in controlling vector mosquito populations and therefore could be used in integrated vector control programs. Before employing the entomopathogenic fungi into the control programs, an effective isolate must be selected. Two separate experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana (Bb5a and Bb-NBAIR) and Metarhizium anisopliae (Ma4 and Ma-NBAIR) isolates against An. stephensi. Cement and mud panels were treated with fungal conidia with the concentration of 1 × 107 conidia/mL and adult An. stephensi mosquitoes were exposed to the treated panels (24 h after conidia were applied) by conducting WHO cone bioassay tests. The survival of the mosquitoes was monitored daily until the 10th day. In the second experiment, second instar larvae of An. stephensi were treated with fungal (Bb5a, Bb-NBAIR, Ma4 and Ma-NBAIR) conidia and blastospores with the spore concentration of 1 × 107 spores/mL. The survival of larvae was monitored until pupation. All the fungal isolates tested caused mortality in the adult mosquitoes, with varying median survival times. The Bb5a isolate reported lesser median survival times on both cement and mud panels (6 days). The treated mosquitoes showed similar survival rates for each fungal isolate irrespective of the panel type. There was no mortality in the treated larvae; however, a delay in larval development to pupae was observed compared with the untreated control larvae. Ma4-treated larvae took 11 days (95% CI = 10.7-11.2) to become pupae when compared with the untreated control larvae (6 days [95% CI = 5.6-6.3]). The findings of this study will be useful to consider EPF as a tool for the management of vector mosquitoes.
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12
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de Oliveira Barbosa Bitencourt R, Corrêa TA, Santos-Mallet J, Santos HA, Lowenberger C, Moreira HVS, Gôlo PS, Bittencourt VREP, da Costa Angelo I. Beauveria bassiana interacts with gut and hemocytes to manipulate Aedes aegypti immunity. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:17. [PMID: 36650591 PMCID: PMC9847134 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05655-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquito-borne diseases affect millions of people. Chemical insecticides are currently employed against mosquitoes. However, many cases of insecticide resistance have been reported. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have demonstrated potential as a bioinsecticide. Here, we assessed the invasion of the EPF Beauveria bassiana into Aedes aegypti larvae and changes in the activity of phenoloxidase (PO) as a proxy for the general activation of the insect innate immune system. In addition, other cellular and humoral responses were evaluated. METHODS Larvae were exposed to blastospores or conidia of B. bassiana CG 206. After 24 and 48 h, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted on the larvae. The hemolymph was collected to determine changes in total hemocyte concentration (THC), the dynamics of hemocytes, and to observe hemocyte-fungus interactions. In addition, the larvae were macerated to assess the activity of PO using L-DOPA conversion, and the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) was measured using quantitative Real-Time PCR. RESULTS Propagules invaded mosquitoes through the midgut, and blastopores were detected inside the hemocoel. Both propagules decreased the THC regardless of the time. By 24 h after exposure to conidia the percentage of granulocytes and oenocytoids increased while the prohemocytes decreased. By 48 h, the oenocytoid percentage increased significantly (P < 0.05) in larvae exposed to blastospores; however, the other hemocyte types did not change significantly. Regardless of the time, SEM revealed hemocytes adhering to, and nodulating, blastospores. For the larvae exposed to conidia, these interactions were observed only at 48 h. Irrespective of the propagule, the PO activity increased only at 48 h. At 24 h, cathepsin B was upregulated by infection with conidia, whereas both propagules resulted in a downregulation of cecropin and defensin A. At 48 h, blastospores and conidia increased the expression of defensin A suggesting this may be an essential AMP against EPF. CONCLUSION By 24 h, B. bassiana CG 206 occluded the midgut, reduced THC, did not stimulate PO activity, and downregulated AMP expression in larvae, all of which allowed the fungus to impair the larvae to facilitate infection. Our data reports a complex interplay between Ae. aegypti larvae and B. bassiana CG 206 demonstrating how this fungus can infect, affect, and kill Ae. aegypti larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo de Oliveira Barbosa Bitencourt
- grid.412391.c0000 0001 1523 2582Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ Brazil
| | - Thaís Almeida Corrêa
- grid.412391.c0000 0001 1523 2582Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ Brazil
| | - Jacenir Santos-Mallet
- grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, IOC-FIOCRUZ-RJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ Brazil ,FIOCRUZ-PI, Teresina, Piauí Brazil ,grid.441915.c0000 0004 0501 3011Iguaçu University-UNIG, Nova Iguaçu, RJ Brazil
| | - Huarrison Azevedo Santos
- grid.412391.c0000 0001 1523 2582Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ Brazil
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- grid.61971.380000 0004 1936 7494Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6 Canada
| | - Haika Victória Sales Moreira
- grid.412391.c0000 0001 1523 2582Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ Brazil
| | - Patrícia Silva Gôlo
- grid.412391.c0000 0001 1523 2582Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ Brazil
| | - Vânia Rita Elias Pinheiro Bittencourt
- grid.412391.c0000 0001 1523 2582Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ Brazil
| | - Isabele da Costa Angelo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
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Optimization of Submerged Culture Parameters of the Aphid Pathogenic Fungus Fusarium equiseti Based on Sporulation and Mycelial Biomass. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11010190. [PMID: 36677481 PMCID: PMC9865567 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010190] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fusarium equiseti (JMF-01), as an entomopathogenic fungus, can effectively control agricultural pests and has the potential to be a biocontrol agent. To promote mycelial growth and sporulation, we investigated the optimal submerged culture conditions for F. equiseti. In this study, we used the single-factor method and Box-Behnken design and determined the virulence of the submerged culture against Myzus persicae after optimization. As a result, the highly significant factors affecting the spore concentration of strain JMF-01 were the primary inoculum density and the initial pH, and the highly significant factor affecting the mycelial biomass was the medium-to-flask ratio. The highest mycelial biomass value was 0.35 g when the incubation time was 5.68 days, the initial pH was 5.11, the medium-to-flask ratio was 0.43, and 1 mL of the primary inoculum with spore density of 0.97 × 107 conidia/mL was added. When the incubation time was 6.32 days, the initial pH was 4.46, the medium-to-flask ratio was 0.35, the primary inoculum density was 1.32 × 107 conidia/mL of 1 mL, and the highest spore concentration of 6.49 × 108 blastospores/mL was obtained. Compared with the unoptimized medium conditions, the optimized submerged culture had the highest mycelial biomass and spore concentration, which were 3.46 and 2.06 times higher, respectively. The optimized submerged culture was highly pathogenic toward M. persicae, reaching a 95% mortality rate. Our results provide optimal submerged culture conditions for F. equiseti and lay the basis for later research to expand production for pest control.
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14
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Sant Anna Iwanicki N, Delalibera Júnior I, de Carvalho LLB, Eilenberg J, De Fine Licht HH. Comparative transcriptomics of growth metabolism and virulence reveal distinct morphogenic profiles of yeast-like cells and hyphae of the fungus Metarhizium rileyi. Fungal Genet Biol 2023; 164:103766. [PMID: 36513262 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2022.103766] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Metarhizium rileyiis an entomopathogenic fungus with a narrow host range which distinguishes it from other Metarhiziumspecies with broad host ranges. This species is also unique because the initial yeast-like growth on solid media is only observed in liquid culture in other Metharizium species. A lack of knowledge about the metabolism and genetic signatures of M. rileyiduring this yeast-like phase on solid and in liquid media is a bottleneck for its large-scale production as a commercial biocontrol agent.In this study wefound that M. rileyiyeast-like cells produced on solid medium infected and killed the important insect pest Spodoptera frugiperda with comparable efficiency as yeast-like cells grown in liquid medium. Secondly, we used comparative transcriptomic analysis to investigate theactive genes and genomic signatures of the M. rileyi yeast-like morphotypes produced on solid and in liquid media. Yeast-like cells grown in liquid medium had upregulated genes relating specifically to signal transduction andparticular membrane transporters. Thirdly, we compared the transcriptomic profiles of yeast-like phases of M. rileyi with those of M. anisopliae. The yeast-like phase of M. rileyi grown on solid medium upregulated unique genes not found in otherMetarhiziumspecies including specific membrane proteins and several virulence factors. Orthologous genes associated with heat shock protein, iron permease, membrane proteins and key virulence traits (e.g. collagen-like protein Mcl1) were upregulated in both species. Comparative transcriptome analyses of gene expression showed more differences than similarities between M. anisopliae and M. rileyi yeast-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Sant Anna Iwanicki
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz', University of São Paulo (ESALQ-USP), Av. Pádua Dias, 11, C.P. 9, Piracicaba, SP CEP 13418-900, Brazil.
| | - Italo Delalibera Júnior
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz', University of São Paulo (ESALQ-USP), Av. Pádua Dias, 11, C.P. 9, Piracicaba, SP CEP 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Lana L B de Carvalho
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, Escola Superior de Agricultura 'Luiz de Queiroz', University of São Paulo (ESALQ-USP), Av. Pádua Dias, 11, C.P. 9, Piracicaba, SP CEP 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Jørgen Eilenberg
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Henrik H De Fine Licht
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark.
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15
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Peng ZY, Huang ST, Chen JT, Li N, Wei Y, Nawaz A, Deng SQ. An update of a green pesticide: Metarhizium anisopliae. ALL LIFE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/26895293.2022.2147224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhe-Yu Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, the Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shu-Ting Huang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia-Ting Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ni Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, the Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yong Wei
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Asad Nawaz
- Department of Pathogen Biology, the Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Qun Deng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, the Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
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16
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Tong C, Wei J, Pan G, Li C, Zhou Z. Study of Pathogenesis Using Fluorescent Strain of Cordyceps farinosa Revealed Infection of Thitarodes armoricanus Larvae via Digestive Tract. INSECTS 2022; 13:1039. [PMID: 36354862 PMCID: PMC9698661 DOI: 10.3390/insects13111039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cordyceps farinosa is often utilized as a biocontrol agent because of its wide host range, strong lethality, and safety for mammals. Artificial rearing of Thitarodes armoricanus larvae is a prerequisite for the artificial cultivation of Chinese cordyceps, and C. farinosa is the most lethal pathogenic fungus during the rearing process. However, the infection process of C. farinosa is still unclear. In this study, we cloned the promoter of the C. farinosa glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene, constructed the EGFP expression cassette, and integrated it into the C. farinosa genome via Agrobacterium transformation. We obtained a fluorescent strain for better observation of the infection process. Using two different inoculation methods of the fluorescent strain, we observed the traditional infection process through the body surface as well as through the digestive tract via feeding. Both infection modes can lead to larval death and mummification. Our findings demonstrated that during the artificial rearing of T. armoricanus, preventing C. farinosa pollution should be an important part of the disinfection of the rearing environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqun Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Junhong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Chunfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
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Wood MJ, Alkhaibari AM, Butt TM. Stress-Mediated Responses of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae When Exposed to Metarhizium brunneum (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) and Toxorhynchites brevipalpis (Diptera: Culicidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1732-1740. [PMID: 35938709 PMCID: PMC9473657 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are capable of vectoring a wide range of diseases including dengue, yellow fever, and Zika viruses, with approximately half of the worlds' population at risk from such diseases. Development of combined predator-parasite treatments for the control of larvae consistently demonstrates increased efficacy over single-agent treatments, however, the mechanism behind the interaction remains unknown. Treatments using the natural predator Toxorhynchites brevipalpis and the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum were applied in the laboratory against Ae. aegypti larvae as both individual and combined treatments to determine the levels of interaction between control strategies. Parallel experiments involved the removal of larvae from test arenas at set intervals during the course of the trial to record whole body caspase and phenoloxidase activities. This was measured via luminometric assay to measure larval stress factors underlying the interactions. Combined Metarhizium and Toxorhynchites treatments were seen to drastically reduce lethal times as compared to individual treatments. This was accompanied by increased phenoloxidase and caspase activities in combination treatments after 18 h (p < 0.001). The sharp increases in caspase and phenoloxidase activities suggest that combined treatments act to increase stress factor responses in the larvae that result in rapid mortality above that of either control agent individually. This work concludes that the underlying mechanism for increased lethality in combined parasite-predator treatments may be related to additive stress factors induced within the target host larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tariq M Butt
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
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18
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de Oliveira Barbosa Bitencourt R, de Souza Faria F, Marchesini P, Reis Dos Santos-Mallet J, Guedes Camargo M, Rita Elias Pinheiro Bittencourt V, Guedes Pontes E, Baptista Pereira D, Siqueira de Almeida Chaves D, da Costa Angelo I. Entomopathogenic fungi and Schinus molle essential oil: The combination of two eco-friendly agents against Aedes aegypti larvae. J Invertebr Pathol 2022; 194:107827. [PMID: 36108793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2022.107827] [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: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti transmits arbovirus, which is a public health concern. Certain filamentous fungi have the potential to control the disease. Here, the effects of Metarhizium anisopliae s.l. CG 153, Beauveria bassiana s.l. CG 206 and Schinus molle L. were investigated against Aedes aegypti larvae. In addition, the effect of essential oil on fungal development was analyzed. Fungal germination was assessed after combination with essential oil at 0.0025 %, 0.0075 %, 0.005 %, or 0.01 %; all of the oil concentrations affected germination except 0.0025 % (v/v). Larvae were exposed to 0.0025 %, 0.0075 %, 0.005 %, or 0.01 % of the essential oil or Tween 80 at 0.01 %; however, only the essential oil at 0.0025 % achieved similar results as the control. Larvae were exposed to fungi at 107 conidia mL-1 alone or in combination with the essential oil at 0.0025 %. Regardless of the combination, M. anisopliae reduced the median survival time of mosquitoes more than B. bassiana. The cumulative survival of mosquitoes exposed to M. anisopliae alone or in combination with essential oil was 7.5 % and 2 %, respectively, and for B. bassiana, it was 75 % and 71 %, respectively. M. anisopliae + essential oil had a synergistic effect against larvae, whereas B. bassiana + essential oil was antagonistic. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and histopathology confirmed that the interaction of M. anisopliae was through the gut and hemocoel. In contrast, the mosquito's gut was the main route for invasion by B. bassiana. Results from gas chromatography studies demonstrated sabinene and bicyclogermacrene as the main compounds of S. molle, and the in-silico investigation found evidence that both compounds affect a wide range of biological activity. For the first time, we demonstrated the potential of S. molle and its interaction with both fungal strains against A. aegypti larvae. Moreover, for the first time, we reported that S. molle might be responsible for significant changes in larval physiology. This study provides new insights into host-pathogen interplay and contributes to a better understanding of pathogenesis in mosquitoes, which have significant consequences for biological control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernanda de Souza Faria
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Paula Marchesini
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jacenir Reis Dos Santos-Mallet
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, IOC-FIOCRUZ-RJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ and FIOCRUZ-PI, Teresina, Piaui, Brazil; Iguaçu University-UNIG, Nova Iguaçu, RJ, Brazil
| | - Mariana Guedes Camargo
- Department of Animal Parasitology, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Emerson Guedes Pontes
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Debora Baptista Pereira
- Graduate Program in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Exact Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Douglas Siqueira de Almeida Chaves
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Isabele da Costa Angelo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.
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Baek S, Noh MY, Mun S, Lee SJ, Arakane Y, Kim JS. Ultrastructural analysis of beetle larva cuticles during infection with the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3356-3364. [PMID: 35509233 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beauveria bassiana is one of the commercially available entomopathogenic fungi (EPF), and a number of isolates with high virulence and broad host spectrum have been used to control agricultural and forest pests. Although the functional importance of genes in EPFs' pathogenesis have been extensively studied, the precise ultrastructural mechanism of the fungal infection, particularly penetration of the host insect cuticles, is not well understood. RESULTS In this study, we investigated the morphology and ultrastructure of the larval cuticle of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, after treatment with B. bassiana ERL1170 expressing an enhanced green fluorescent protein (Bb-eGFP). The Bb-eGFP showed high virulence against the larvae, with approximately 90% mortality at 48 h after treatment (HAT) and 100% at 72 HAT under our infection conditions. In these larvae, the regions of the body wall with flexible cuticles, such as the ventral and ventrolateral thorax and abdomen, became darkly melanized, but there was little to no melanization in the rigid dorsal cuticular structures. Confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that germinated conidia on the surface of the larval cuticle were evident at 6 HAT, which formed penetration pegs and began to penetrate the several cuticle layers/laminae by 12 HAT. The penetration pegs then developed invading hyphae, some of which passed through the cuticle and reached the epidermal cells by 24 HAT. The larval cuticle was aggressively and extensively disrupted by 48 HAT, and a number of outgrowing hyphae were observed at 72 HAT. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that Bb-eGFP is capable of infection and penetrating T. castaneum larvae shortly after inoculation (~24 HAT) at the body regions with apparently flexible and membranous cuticles, such as the ventral intersegmental regions and the ventrolateral pleura. This study provides details on the histopathogenesis of the host cuticle by infection and penetration of EPFs, which can facilitate the management of insect pests. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehyeon Baek
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Mi Young Noh
- Department of Forest Resources, AgriBio Institute of Climate Change Management, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Seulgi Mun
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Se Jin Lee
- Department of Agricultural Life Science, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, South Korea
| | - Yasuyuki Arakane
- Department of Applied Biology, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Jae Su Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
- Department of Agricultural Convergence Technology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
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Pathogen infection routes and host innate immunity: Lessons from insects. Immunol Lett 2022; 247:46-51. [PMID: 35667452 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in insect-pathogen interactions have started to reveal the role of insect tissues and organs as natural infection routes for parasites and microbial pathogens. Here we summarize this information highlighting the micro- and macro-parasites that enter insects through distinct infection routes and link them to innate immune activity. We also examine whether the infection route determines the insect immune response and if the resulting immunological and physiological processes underpinning these different routes of infection are clearly distinct. Understanding how the infection route is associated with the robustness in insect host defense will help us identify conserved evolutionary and ecological patterns in order to design novel strategies for the management of destructive agricultural pests and disease vectors.
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The Effect of Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles Combined with Entomopathogenic Bacteria or Fungus on the Survival of Colorado Potato Beetle and Cabbage Beetles. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12091558. [PMID: 35564267 PMCID: PMC9100758 DOI: 10.3390/nano12091558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Three types of modified silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2, 10−20 nm) with additives of epoxy, silane and amino groups, used independently and in combination with the entomopathogenic bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. morrisoni and fungus Metarhizium robertsii were tested against Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) and cabbage beetles (Phyllotreta spp.). All three nanoparticles were found to have an entomocidal effect on Colorado potato beetle larvae and crucifer flea beetles when ingested. Increased susceptibility of insects to B. thuringiensis or M. robertsii blastospores and their metabolites was shown after exposure to the modified silicon dioxide nanoparticles. The potential of modified silicon dioxide nanoparticles to enhance the efficiency of biopesticides based on the bacteria B. thuringiensis and fungi M. robertsii is considered in the paper.
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22
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Carneiro ADS, Mesquita E, Meirelles LN, Bittencourt VREP, Golo PS. Compatibility of different Metarhizium spp. propagules with synthetic acaricides for controlling Rhipicephalus microplus. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA = BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY : ORGAO OFICIAL DO COLEGIO BRASILEIRO DE PARASITOLOGIA VETERINARIA 2022; 31:e018221. [PMID: 35384990 PMCID: PMC9901882 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612022018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The inappropriate use of synthetic acaricides has selected resistant Rhipicephalus microplus populations. The present study evaluated the compatibility of different Metarhizium spp. propagules (conidia, blastospores, and microsclerotia) by incubating them with synthetic acaricides (amitraz, deltamethrin, and a combination of cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos, and citronellal) for 1 h, 5 h, 10 h, and 24 h. Conidia and microsclerotia of the tested isolates were usually more tolerant to synthetic acaricides than blastospores. Our study also analyzed the in vitro effect of deltamethrin associated with fungal propagules for controlling a population of R. microplus females that were not susceptible to this synthetic acaricide. The use of entomopathogenic fungi in association with deltamethrin in this tick population caused a greater tick control than did the use of the fungus or the synthetic acaricide separately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriani da Silva Carneiro
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Emily Mesquita
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | - Laura Nóbrega Meirelles
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
| | | | - Patrícia Silva Golo
- Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ, Brasil
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de Paula AR, Silva LEI, Ribeiro A, da Silva GA, Silva CP, Butt TM, Samuels RI. Metarhizium anisopliae blastospores are highly virulent to adult Aedes aegypti, an important arbovirus vector. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:555. [PMID: 34711272 PMCID: PMC8555014 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05055-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) for the control of adult mosquitoes is a promising alternative to synthetic insecticides. Previous studies have only evaluated conidiospores against adult mosquitoes. However, blastospores, which are highly virulent against mosquito larvae and pupae, could also be effective against adults. METHODS Metarhizium anisopliae (ESALQ 818 and LEF 2000) blastospores and conidia were first tested against adult Aedes aegypti by spraying insects with spore suspensions. Blastospores were then tested using an indirect contact bioassay, exposing mosquitoes to fungus-impregnated cloths. Virulence when using blastospores suspended in 20% sunflower oil was also investigated. RESULTS Female mosquitoes sprayed with blastospores or conidia at a concentration of 108 propagules ml-1 were highly susceptible to both types of spores, resulting in 100% mortality within 7 days. However, significant differences in virulence of the isolates and propagules became apparent at 107 spores ml-1, with ESALQ 818 blastospores being more virulent than LEF 2000 blastospores. ESALQ 818 blastospores were highly virulent when mosquitoes were exposed to black cotton cloths impregnated with blastospores shortly after preparing the suspensions, but virulence declined rapidly 12 h post-application. The addition of vegetable oil to blastospores helped maintain virulence for up to 48 h. CONCLUSION The results showed that blastospores were more virulent to adult female Ae. aegypti than conidia when sprayed onto the insects or applied to black cloths. Vegetable oil helped maintain blastospore virulence. The results show that blastospores have potential for use in integrated vector management, although new formulations and drying techniques need to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Rodrigues de Paula
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Leila Eid Imad Silva
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Anderson Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Gerson Adriano da Silva
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Carlos Peres Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Tariq M Butt
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Wales, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Richard Ian Samuels
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil.
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Moosa-Kazemi SH, Asgarian TS, Sedaghat MM, Javar S. Pathogenic fungi infection attributes of malarial vectors Anopheles maculipennis and Anopheles superpictus in central Iran. Malar J 2021; 20:393. [PMID: 34627243 PMCID: PMC8502412 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03927-4] [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: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the effect of synthetic and commercial insecticides on non-target organisms and the resistance of mosquitoes, non-chemical and environmentally friendly methods have become prevalent in recent years. The present study was to isolate entomopathogenic fungi with toxic effects on mosquitoes in natural larval habitats. METHODS Larvae of mosquitoes were collected from Central, Qamsar, Niasar, and Barzok Districts in Kashan County, Central Iran by standard dipping method, from April to late December 2019. Dead larvae, live larvae showing signs of infection, and larvae and pupae with a white coating of fungal mycelium on the outer surface of their bodies were isolated from the rest of the larvae and sterilized with 10% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min, then washed twice with distilled water and transferred to potato-dextrose-agar (PDA) and water-agar (WA) media and incubated at 25 ± 2 °C for 3-4 days. Larvae and fungi were identified morphologically based on identification keys. RESULTS A total of 9789 larvae were collected from urban and rural areas in Kashan County. Thirteen species were identified which were recognized to belong to three genera, including Anopheles (7.89%), Culiseta (17.42%) and Culex (74.69%). A total of 105 larvae, including Anopheles superpictus sensu lato (s.l), Anopheles maculipennis s.l., Culex deserticola, Culex perexiguus, and Culiseta longiareolata were found to be infected by Nattrassia mangiferae, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Trichoderma spp., and Penicillium spp. Of these, Penicillium spp. was the most abundant fungus isolated and identified from the larval habitats, while An. superpictus s.l. was the most infected mosquito species. CONCLUSIONS Based on the observations and results obtained of the study, isolated fungi had the potential efficacy for pathogenicity on mosquito larvae. It is suggested that their effects on mosquito larvae should be investigated in the laboratory. The most important point, however, is the proper way of exploiting these biocontrol agents to maximize their effect on reducing the population of vector mosquito larvae without any negative effect on non-target organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Hassan Moosa-Kazemi
- Department of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 6446-14155, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Tahereh Sadat Asgarian
- Department of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 6446-14155, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Sedaghat
- Department of Medical Entomology & Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 6446-14155, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeedeh Javar
- Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research, Education and Extention Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
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Iwanicki NSA, Mascarin GM, Moreno SG, Eilenberg J, Delalibera I. Development of novel spray-dried and air-dried formulations of Metarhizium robertsii blastospores and their virulence against Dalbulus maidis. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:7913-7933. [PMID: 34550438 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11576-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The present research addressed spray-drying and air-drying techniques applied to Metarhizium robertsii blastospores to develop wettable powder (WP) formulations. We investigated the effect of co-formulants on blastospore viability during drying and assessed the wettability and stability of formulations in water. The effect of oxygen-moisture absorbers was studied on the shelf life of these formulations stored at 26 °C and 4 °C for up to 90 days. Additionally, we determined the virulence of the best spray-dried and air-dried formulations against the corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis. While sucrose and skim milk played an essential role as osmoprotectants in preserving air-dried blastospores, maltodextrin, skim milk, and bentonite were crucial to attain high cell survival during spray drying. The lowest wettability time was achieved with spray-dried formulations containing less Ca-lignin, while charcoal powder amount was positively associated with formulation stability. The addition of oxygen-moisture absorbers inside sealed packages increased from threefold to fourfold the half-life times of air-dried and spray-dried formulations at both storage temperatures. However, the half-life times of all blastospore-based formulations were shorter than 3 months regardless of temperature and packaging system. Spray-dried and air-dried WP formulations were as virulent as fresh blastopores against D. maydis adults sprayed with 5 × 107 blastospores mL-1 that induced 87.8% and 70.6% mortality, respectively. These findings bring innovative advancement for M. robertsii blastospore formulation through spray-drying and underpin the importance of adding protective matrices coupled to oxygen-moisture absorbers to extend cell viability during either cold or non-refrigerated storage. KEY POINTS: • Cost-effective wettable powder formulations of M. robertsii blastospores were developed. • Bioefficacy of formulations against the corn leafhopper was comparable to fresh blastospores. • Cold storage and dual oxygen-moisture absorber are critical for extended shelf life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Sant Anna Iwanicki
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz, " University of São Paulo (ESALQ-USP), Av. Pádua Dias, 11, C.P. 9, Piracicaba, SP CEP, 13418-900, Brazil.
| | - Gabriel Moura Mascarin
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Environment, Rodovia SP 340, Km 127.5, Jaguariúna, 13918-110, Brazil.
| | - Sara Giro Moreno
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz, " University of São Paulo (ESALQ-USP), Av. Pádua Dias, 11, C.P. 9, Piracicaba, SP CEP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Jørgen Eilenberg
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Italo Delalibera
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz, " University of São Paulo (ESALQ-USP), Av. Pádua Dias, 11, C.P. 9, Piracicaba, SP CEP, 13418-900, Brazil
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26
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da Silveira AA, Andrade JSP, Guissoni ACP, da Costa AC, de Carvalho E Silva A, da Silva HG, Brito P, de Souza GRL, Fernandes KF. Larvicidal potential of cell wall degrading enzymes from Trichoderma asperellum against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae). Biotechnol Prog 2021; 37:e3182. [PMID: 34115926 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is a mosquito vector of arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya, zika and yellow fever that cause important public health diseases. The incidence and gravity of these diseases justifies the search for effective measures to reduce the presence of this vector in the environment. Bioinsecticides are an effective alternative method for insect control, with added ecological benefits such as biodegradability. The current study demonstrates that a chitinolytic enzyme complex produced by the fungus Trichoderma asperellum can disrupt cuticle formation in the L3 larvae phase of A. aegypti, suggesting such biolarvicidal action could be used for mosquito control. T. asperellum was exposed to chitin from different sources. This induction of cell wall degrading enzymes, including chitinase, N-acetylglucosaminidase and β-1,3-glucanase. Groups of 20 L3 larvae of A. aegypti were exposed to varying concentrations of chitinolytic enzymes induced with commercial chitin (CWDE) and larvae cell wall degrading enzymes (L-CWDE). After 72 h of exposure to the CWDE, 100% of larvae were killed. The same percent mortality was observed after 48 h of exposure to L-CWDE at half the CWDE enzyme mixture concentration. Exoskeleton deterioration was further observed by scanning and electron microscopy. Our findings indicate that L-CWDE produced by T. asperellum reflect chitinolytic enzymes with greater specificity for L3 larval biomolecules. This specificity is characterized by the high percentage of mortality compared with CWDE treatments and also by abrupt changes in patterns of the cellular structures visualized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. These mixtures of chitinolytic enzymes could be candidates, as adjuvant or synergistic molecules, to replace conventional chemical insecticides currently in use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexsander Augusto da Silveira
- Laboratório de Química de Polímeros (LQP) - ICB2, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.,Faculdade Estácio de Sá de Goiás - FESGO, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Jackeline Santana Paula Andrade
- Laboratório de Química de Polímeros (LQP) - ICB2, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil.,Faculdade Estácio de Sá de Goiás - FESGO, Goiânia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Pedro Brito
- IPTSP - Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | | | - Kátia Flávia Fernandes
- Laboratório de Química de Polímeros (LQP) - ICB2, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
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Wu B, Cox MP. Comparative genomics reveals a core gene toolbox for lifestyle transitions in Hypocreales fungi. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:3251-3264. [PMID: 33939870 PMCID: PMC8360070 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fungi have evolved diverse lifestyles and adopted pivotal new roles in both natural ecosystems and human environments. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their adaptation to new lifestyles are obscure. Here, we hypothesize that genes shared across all species with the same lifestyle, but absent in genera with alternative lifestyles, are crucial to that lifestyle. By analysing dozens of species within four genera in a fungal order, with each genus following a different lifestyle, we find that genus-specific genes are typically few in number. Notably, not all genus-specific genes appear to derive from de novo birth, with most instead reflecting recurrent loss across the fungi. Importantly, however, a subset of these genus-specific genes are shared by fungi with the same lifestyle in quite different evolutionary orders, thus supporting the view that some genus-specific genes are necessary for specific lifestyles. These lifestyle-specific genes are enriched for key functional classes and often exhibit specialized expression patterns. Genus-specific selection also contributes to lifestyle transitions, and is especially associated with intensity of pathogenesis. Our study, therefore, suggests that fungal adaptation to new lifestyles often requires just a small number of core genes, with gene turnover and positive selection playing complementary roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baojun Wu
- Statistics and Bioinformatics Group, School of Fundamental SciencesMassey UniversityPalmerston North4410New Zealand
- Bio‐Protection Research CentreMassey UniversityPalmerston North4410New Zealand
| | - Murray P. Cox
- Statistics and Bioinformatics Group, School of Fundamental SciencesMassey UniversityPalmerston North4410New Zealand
- Bio‐Protection Research CentreMassey UniversityPalmerston North4410New Zealand
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Mascarin GM, Iwanicki NS, Ramirez JL, Delalibera Í, Dunlap CA. Transcriptional Responses of Beauveria bassiana Blastospores Cultured Under Varying Glucose Concentrations. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:644372. [PMID: 33842391 PMCID: PMC8024584 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.644372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Culturing the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, under high glucose concentrations coupled with high aeration results in a fungal developmental shift from hyphal growth to mostly blastospores (yeast-like cells). The underlying molecular mechanisms involved in this shift remain elusive. A systematic transcriptome analysis of the differential gene expression was preformed to uncover the fungal transcriptomic response to osmotic and oxidative stresses associated with the resulting high blastospore yield. Differential gene expression was compared under moderate (10% w/v) and high (20% w/v) glucose concentrations daily for three days. The RNAseq-based transcriptomic results depicted a higher proportion of downregulated genes when the fungus was grown under 20% glucose than 10%. Additional experiments explored a broader glucose range (4, 8, 12, 16, 20% w/v) with phenotype assessment and qRT-PCR transcript abundance measurements of selected genes. Antioxidant, calcium transport, conidiation, and osmosensor-related genes were highly upregulated in higher glucose titers (16-20%) compared to growth in lower glucose (4-6%) concentrations. The class 1 hydrophobin gene (Hyd1) was highly expressed throughout the culturing. Hyd1 is known to be involved in spore coat rodlet layer assembly, and indicates that blastospores or another cell type containing hydrophobin 1 is expressed in the haemocoel during the infection process. Furthermore, we found implications of the HOG signaling pathway with upregulation of homologous genes Ssk2 and Hog1 for all fermentation time points under hyperosmotic medium (20% glucose). These findings expand our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms behind blastospore development and may help facilitate large-scale industrial production of B. bassiana blastospores for pest control applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Moura Mascarin
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Environment, Jaguariúna, Brazil
| | - Natasha Sant'Anna Iwanicki
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture/University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Jose Luis Ramirez
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Peoria, IL, United States
| | - Ítalo Delalibera
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, "Luiz de Queiroz" College of Agriculture/University of São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Christopher A Dunlap
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service, Peoria, IL, United States
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de Oliveira Barbosa Bitencourt R, Reis dos Santos Mallet J, Mesquita E, Silva Gôlo P, Fiorotti J, Rita Elias Pinheiro Bittencourt V, Guedes Pontes E, da Costa Angelo I. Larvicidal activity, route of interaction and ultrastructural changes in Aedes aegypti exposed to entomopathogenic fungi. Acta Trop 2021; 213:105732. [PMID: 33188750 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Blastospores or conidia (formulated or not) of entomopathogenic fungi were assessed against Aedes aegypti larvae. Larvae (L2) were exposed to 105, 106, 107, and 108 propagules mL-1 water suspension. Mineral oil at 0.1%, 0.5%, or 1.0% (v/v) was employed to observe the effect on larval survival. The 0.1% mineral oil did not affect larval survival. Accordingly, 107 propagules mL-1 and 0.1% mineral oil were used to prepare all fungal emulsions. The fungal suspension or formulation was prepared as follows: 107 propagules mL-1 on 0.03% TweenⓇ 80 (v/v) aqueous solution or 107 propagules mL-1 on 0.03% TweenⓇ 80 plus 0.1% mineral oil; larval survival rates were evaluated for 7 days, and median survival time (S50) was also determined. The presence of fungi in larvae was examined both histologically and by scanning electron microscopy 24 h or 48 h after exposure. To evaluate the larval growth, larvae were exposed to 107 propagules mL-1 for 48 hours and their length measured using a digital caliper. Here, propagules had similar results in reducing the larvae survival rate and time. The treatment with Beauveria bassiana s.l. at 108 propagules mL-1 or with Metarhizium anisopliae s.l. at 108 blastopores mL-1 reduced the larval survival time to two days. M. anisopliae s.l. at 108 conidia mL-1 reduced the survival time to three days. The survival time of larvae submitted to the other treatments ranged from 6 days to over 7 days. M. anisopliae s.l. or B. bassiana s.l. oil-in-water emulsions at 107 propagules mL-1 yielded better results than the water suspensions, the larvae survival rate was 2 days for both propagules in oil-in-water emulsion. Larvae exposed to blastospores from both isolates or M. anisopliae conidia were longer than in the other treatments. Scanning electron microscopy and histology analyzes found fungi predominantly in the gut, mouthparts, and perispiracular lobes of larvae. Formulated fungus yielded better results than the aqueous suspensions for control of mosquito larvae. Thus, for the first time, the effect of mineral oil on the fungal interaction on A. aegypti larvae was observed as well as the effect of entomopathogenic fungi in the growth of larvae, supporting the search for strategies to control this arthropod.
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Desiccation-tolerant fungal blastospores: From production to application. CURRENT RESEARCH IN BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crbiot.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Corval ARC, Mesquita E, Corrêa TA, Silva CDSR, Bitencourt RDOB, Fernandes ÉKK, Bittencourt VREP, Roberts DW, Gôlo PS. UV-B tolerances of conidia, blastospores, and microsclerotia of Metarhizium spp. entomopathogenic fungi. J Basic Microbiol 2020; 61:15-26. [PMID: 33616987 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202000515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to analyze ten native Metarhizium spp. isolates as to their UV-B tolerances. Comparisons included: different fungal propagules (conidia, blastospores, or microsclerotia [MS]); conidia in aqueous suspensions or in 10% mineral oil-in-water emulsions; and conidia mixed with different types of soil. The UV-B effect was expressed as the germination of conidia or culturability of blastospores and MS relative to nongerminated propagules. Metarhizium anisopliae LCM S05 exhibited high tolerance as blastospores and/or MS, but not as conidia; LCM S10 and LCM S08 had positive results with MS or conidia but not blastospores. The formulations with 10% mineral oil did not always protect Metarhizium conidia against UV-B. Conidia of LCM S07, LCM S08, and LCM S10 exhibited the best results when in aqueous suspensions, 24 h after UV-B exposure. In general, conidia mixed with soil and exposed to UV-B yielded similar number of colony forming units as conidia from unexposed soil, regardless the soil type. It was not possible to predict which type of propagule would be the most UV-B tolerant for each fungal isolate; in conclusion, many formulations and propagule types should be investigated early in the development of new fungal biocontrol products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R C Corval
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Emily Mesquita
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thaís A Corrêa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cárita de S R Silva
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Ricardo de O B Bitencourt
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Éverton K K Fernandes
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Vânia R E P Bittencourt
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Patrícia S Gôlo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Bitencourt RDOB, Salcedo-Porras N, Umaña-Diaz C, da Costa Angelo I, Lowenberger C. Antifungal immune responses in mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): A review. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 178:107505. [PMID: 33238166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes transmit many parasites and pathogens to humans that cause significant morbidity and mortality. As such, we are constantly looking for new methods to reduce mosquito populations, including the use of effective biological controls. Entomopathogenic fungi are excellent candidate biocontrol agents to control mosquitoes. Understanding the complex ecological, environmental, and molecular interactions between hosts and pathogens are essential to create novel, effective and safe biocontrol agents. Understanding how mosquitoes recognize and eliminate pathogens such as entomopathogenic fungi may allow us to create insect-order specific biocontrol agents to reduce pest populations. Here we summarize the current knowledge of fungal infection, colonization, development, and replication within mosquitoes and the innate immune responses of the mosquitoes towards the fungal pathogens, emphasizing those features required for an effective mosquito biocontrol agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo de Oliveira Barbosa Bitencourt
- Program in Veterinary Science, Institute of Veterinary Science, Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil; Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Nicolas Salcedo-Porras
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Claudia Umaña-Diaz
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Isabele da Costa Angelo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Veterinary Institute, Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby BC V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada.
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Shrestha N, Shad MY, Ulvi O, Khan MH, Karamehic-Muratovic A, Nguyen USDT, Baghbanzadeh M, Wardrup R, Aghamohammadi N, Cervantes D, Nahiduzzaman KM, Zaki RA, Haque U. The impact of COVID-19 on globalization. One Health 2020; 11:100180. [PMID: 33072836 PMCID: PMC7553059 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2020.100180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Globalization has altered the way we live and earn a livelihood. Consequently, trade and travel have been recognized as significant determinants of the spread of disease. Additionally, the rise in urbanization and the closer integration of the world economy have facilitated global interconnectedness. Therefore, globalization has emerged as an essential mechanism of disease transmission. This paper aims to examine the potential impact of COVID-19 on globalization and global health in terms of mobility, trade, travel, and countries most impacted. The effect of globalization were operationalized in terms of mobility, economy, and healthcare systems. The mobility of individuals and its magnitude was assessed using airline and seaport trade data and travel information. The economic impact was measured based on the workforce, event cancellations, food and agriculture, academic institutions, and supply chain. The healthcare capacity was assessed by considering healthcare system indicators and preparedness of countries. Utilizing a technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), we calculated a pandemic vulnerability index (PVI) by creating a quantitative measure of the potential global health. The pandemic has placed an unprecedented burden on the world economy, healthcare, and globalization through travel, events cancellation, employment workforce, food chain, academia, and healthcare capacity. Based on PVI results, certain countries were more vulnerable than others. In Africa, more vulnerable countries included South Africa and Egypt; in Europe, they were Russia, Germany, and Italy; in Asia and Oceania, they were India, Iran, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey; and for the Americas, they were Brazil, USA, Chile, Mexico, and Peru. The impact on mobility, economy, and healthcare systems has only started to manifest. The findings of this study may help in the planning and implementation of strategies at the country level to help ease this emerging burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nistha Shrestha
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | | | - Osman Ulvi
- Department of Public Health & Prevention Sciences, Baldwin Wallace University, Berea, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Uyen-Sa D T Nguyen
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | | | - Robert Wardrup
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Nasrin Aghamohammadi
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Diana Cervantes
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Kh Md Nahiduzzaman
- Faculty of Applied Science, School of Engineering, The University of British Columbia (UBC), Okanagan, BC V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki
- Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence-based Practice, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Malaya Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ubydul Haque
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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Shen D, Nyawira KT, Xia A. New discoveries and applications of mosquito fungal pathogens. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 40:111-116. [PMID: 32781416 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are a major threat to human health globally because they transmit infectious diseases, such as malaria, lymphatic filariasis, and arboviruses. The conventional mosquito control efforts, based on synthetic insecticides, have been compromised owing to the eventual development of insecticide resistance and the adverse environmental impacts of insecticides. Alternative eco-friendly approaches using entomopathogenic fungi to alleviate vector-borne disease burden have gained an increasing interest because of their selective specificity and environmental safety. Existing literature revealed an enormous potential of microbial agents for the biocontrol of mosquitoes. With the advances in genetic recombination and transformation techniques, genetically engineered fungal biopesticides showed promising efficacy against insecticide-resistant mosquitoes. In this article, we elaborate on the important mosquito fungal and oomycota pathogens as potential biocontrol agents and infection mechanism through oral ingestion. Recent advances on the secreted effectors for suppression of host immunity and progress on the development of transgenic mosquito-killing fungi were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyu Shen
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Karani T Nyawira
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ai Xia
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.
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Garrido-Jurado I, Montes-Moreno D, Sanz-Barrionuevo P, Quesada-Moraga E. Delving into the Causes and Effects of Entomopathogenic Endophytic Metarhizium brunneum Foliar Application-Related Mortality in Spodoptera littoralis Larvae. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11070429. [PMID: 32660021 PMCID: PMC7412302 DOI: 10.3390/insects11070429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to delve into the causes of mortality of Spodoptera littoralis larvae feeding on Metarhizium-colonized plants in the absence of fungal outgrowth on the cadavers as previous studies reported and to elucidate the possible indirect effects of this fungus-colonized diet. The effect was evaluated in experiments conducted using leaf discs of colonized plants and in planta using fungus-colonized whole plants. The mortality rates of larvae fed on Metarhizium-colonized melon leaves were 45.0% and 87.5%, and the average survival times were 6.6 and 3.1 days in experiments performed with discs and in planta, respectively. Notably, these mortality levels were not associated with observed apoptosis mediated by caspases 1, 3-7 and 8; thus, further investigation into the possible immune system reaction of the insect after the ingestion of colonized plants is required. The leaf consumption of S. littoralis larvae fed on melon-colonized leaves was lower than that on control plants in the disc experiments but not in experiments conducted in planta. In this regard, in experiments performed in planta, plant damage increased larval mortality in both fungally challenged and control larvae. There was also a meaningful effect of exposure to Metarhizium-colonized melon leaf discs on S. littoralis fitness, with significant reductions in 39.0% and 22.0% in female fecundity and egg fertility, respectively, detected in females emerging from pupae developing from larvae surviving exposure to colonized plant discs; all larvae died in the in planta experiments. Hence, the present work presents new findings revealing the high potential of endophytic entomopathogenic fungi to improve the outcome of foliar applications against chewing insects in the short, mid- and long term, by the reduction of the reproductive potential of surviving adults and reveals new insights into the development of bioassays with whole plants for more detailed evaluation of the impact of these fungi as endophytes used for plant protection.
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Iwanicki NS, Júnior ID, Eilenberg J, De Fine Licht HH. Comparative RNAseq Analysis of the Insect-Pathogenic Fungus Metarhizium anisopliae Reveals Specific Transcriptome Signatures of Filamentous and Yeast-Like Development. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2020; 10:2141-2157. [PMID: 32354703 PMCID: PMC7341153 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The fungus Metarhizium anisopliae is a facultative insect pathogen used as biological control agent of several agricultural pests worldwide. It is a dimorphic fungus that is able to display two growth morphologies, a filamentous phase with formation of hyphae and a yeast-like phase with formation of single-celled blastospores. Blastospores play an important role for M. anisopliae pathogenicity during disease development. They are formed solely in the hemolymph of infected insects as a fungal strategy to quickly multiply and colonize the insect's body. Here, we use comparative genome-wide transcriptome analyses to determine changes in gene expression between the filamentous and blastospore growth phases in vitro to characterize physiological changes and metabolic signatures associated with M. anisopliae dimorphism. Our results show a clear molecular distinction between the blastospore and mycelial phases. In total 6.4% (n = 696) out of 10,981 predicted genes in M. anisopliae were differentially expressed between the two phases with a fold-change > 4. The main physiological processes associated with up-regulated gene content in the single-celled yeast-like blastospores during liquid fermentation were oxidative stress, amino acid metabolism (catabolism and anabolism), respiration processes, transmembrane transport and production of secondary metabolites. In contrast, the up-regulated gene content in hyphae were associated with increased growth, metabolism and cell wall re-organization, which underlines the specific functions and altered growth morphology of M. anisopliae blastospores and hyphae, respectively. Our study revealed significant transcriptomic differences between the metabolism of blastospores and hyphae. These findings illustrate important aspects of fungal morphogenesis in M. anisopliae and highlight the main metabolic activities of each propagule under in vitro growth conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Sant'Anna Iwanicki
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, ESALQ- University of São Paulo, Av Padua Dias, 11-P.O. Box 9-13418-900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil and
| | - Italo Delalibera Júnior
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, ESALQ- University of São Paulo, Av Padua Dias, 11-P.O. Box 9-13418-900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil and
| | - Jørgen Eilenberg
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Henrik H De Fine Licht
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Bernardo CDC, Pereira-Junior RA, Luz C, Mascarin GM, Kamp Fernandes ÉK. Differential susceptibility of blastospores and aerial conidia of entomopathogenic fungi to heat and UV-B stresses. Fungal Biol 2020; 124:714-722. [PMID: 32690253 DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the comparative susceptibility to heat and UV-B radiation of blastospores and aerial conidia of Metarhizium spp. (Metarhizium robertsii IP 146, Metarhizium anisopliae s.l. IP 363 and Metarhizium acridum ARSEF 324) and Beauveria bassiana s.l. (IP 361 and CG 307). Conidia and blastospores were produced in solid or liquid Adámek-modified medium, respectively, and then exposed to heat (45 ± 0.2 °C) in a range of 0 (control) to 360 min; the susceptibility of fungal propagules to heat exposures was assessed to express relative viability. Similarly, both propagules of each isolate were also exposed to a range of 0 (control) to 8.1 kJ m-2 under artificial UV-B radiation. Our results showed that fungal isolates, propagule types and exposure time or dose of the stressor source play critical roles in fungal survival challenged with UV-B and heat. Conidia of ARSEF 324, IP 363, IP 146 and IP 361 exposed to heat survived significantly longer than their blastospores, except for blastospores of CG 307. Conidia and blastospores of IP 146 and IP 363 were equally tolerant to UV-B radiation. We claim that blastospores of certain isolates may be promising candidates to control arthropod pests in regions where heat and UV-B are limiting environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cíntia das Chagas Bernardo
- Departamento de Biociências e Tecnologia, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Alves Pereira-Junior
- Departamento de Biociências e Tecnologia, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Christian Luz
- Departamento de Biociências e Tecnologia, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Moura Mascarin
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Ambiental, Embrapa Meio Ambiente, Jaguariúna, SP, 13820-000, Brazil
| | - Éverton Kort Kamp Fernandes
- Departamento de Biociências e Tecnologia, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil.
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Iwanicki NSA, Mascarin GM, Moreno SG, Eilenberg J, Delalibera Júnior I. Growth kinetic and nitrogen source optimization for liquid culture fermentation of Metarhizium robertsii blastospores and bioefficacy against the corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 36:71. [PMID: 32350696 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-020-02844-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The cosmopolitan entomopathogenic and root endophytic fungus Metarhizium robertsii has a versatile lifestyle and during liquid fermentation undergoes a dimorphic transformation from hyphae to conidia or microsclerotia, or from hyphae to blastospores. In all cases, these processes are mediated by environmental and nutritional cues. Blastospores could be used in spray applications to control arthropod pests above ground and may serve as an attractive alternative to the traditional solid-grown aerial conidial spores of Metarhizium spp. found in commercial products. Nitrogen is a vital nutrient in cell metabolism and growth; however, it is the expensive component in liquid cultures of entomopathogenic fungi. Our goals in this study were to optimize nitrogen sources and titers for maximum production of M. robertsii blastospores cultured in shake flasks at highly aerated conditions and to further determine their virulence against the corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis, an important vector of serious pathogens in maize crops worldwide. Our fermentation studies revealed that the low-cost corn steep liquor (CSL) was the most suitable nitrogen source to improve blastospore growth in M. robertsii. The growth kinetic assays determined the optimal titer of 80 g L-1 and a yield up to 4.7 × 108 cells mL-1 within 5 days of cultivation (3 days preculture and 2 days culture), at a total cost of US$0.30 L-1. Moreover, the blastospore growth kinetic was strongly dependent on glucose and nitrogen consumptions accompanied by a slight drop in the culture pH. Insect bioassays evidenced a high virulence of these blastospores, either as dried or fresh cells, to D. maidis adults fed on maize plants. Our findings provide insights into the nutritional requirements for optimal and cost-efficient production of M. robertsii blastospores and elucidate the potential of blastospores as an ecofriendly tool against the corn leafhopper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Sant Anna Iwanicki
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", University of São Paulo (ESALQ-USP), Av. Pádua Dias, 11, C.P. 9, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil.
| | - Gabriel Moura Mascarin
- Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, Embrapa Environment, Rodovia SP 340, Km 127.5, Jaguariúna, 13820-000, Brazil.
| | - Sara Giro Moreno
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", University of São Paulo (ESALQ-USP), Av. Pádua Dias, 11, C.P. 9, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
| | - Jørgen Eilenberg
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Italo Delalibera Júnior
- Department of Entomology and Acarology, Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", University of São Paulo (ESALQ-USP), Av. Pádua Dias, 11, C.P. 9, Piracicaba, SP, 13418-900, Brazil
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Prado R, Macedo-Salles PA, Duprat RC, Baptista ARS, Feder D, Lima JBP, Butt T, Ratcliffe NA, Mello CB. Action of Metarhizium brunneum (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) Against Organophosphate- and Pyrethroid-Resistant Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) and the Synergistic Effects of Phenylthiourea. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:454-462. [PMID: 31559435 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Dengue, yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya arboviruses are endemic in tropical countries and are transmitted by Aedes aegypti. Resistant populations of this mosquito against chemical insecticides are spreading worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the biological effects of exposure of pesticide-sensitive Ae. aegypti larvae (Rockefeller) to conidia of the entomopathogen, Metarhizium brunneum, laboratory strains ARSEF 4556 and V275, and any synergistic activity of phenylthiourea (PTU). In addition, to investigate the nature of any cross-resistance mechanisms, these M. brunneum strains were tested against the Rockefeller larvae and two temephos- and deltamethrin-resistant wild mosquito populations from Rio de Janeiro. Treatment of Rockefeller larvae with 106 conidia/ml of ARSEF 4556 and V275 fungal strains resulted in significant decreased survival rates to 40 and 53.33%, respectively (P < 0.0001), compared with untreated controls. In contrast, exposure to 104 or 105 conidia/ml showed no such significant survival differences. However, the addition of PTU to the conidia in the bioassays significantly increased mortalities in all groups and induced a molt block. Experiments also showed no differences in Ae. aegypti mortalities between the fungal treated, wild pesticide-resistant populations and the Rockefeller sensitive strain. The results show the efficacy of M. brunneum in controlling Ae. aegypti larvae and the synergistic role of PTU in this process. Importantly, there was no indication of any cross-resistance mechanisms between Ae. aegypti sensitive or resistant to pesticides following treatment with the fungi. These results further support using M. brunneum as an alternative biological control agent against mosquito populations resistant to chemical insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Prado
- Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, GBG, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Pãmella A Macedo-Salles
- Laboratório de Micologia Médica e Molecular, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo C Duprat
- Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, GBG, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andrea R S Baptista
- Laboratório de Micologia Médica e Molecular, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Denise Feder
- Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, GBG, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - José Bento Pereira Lima
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Controle de Artrópodes Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro
- Laboratório de Entomologia, Instituto de Biologia do Exército, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tariq Butt
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA28PP Wales, UK
| | - Norman A Ratcliffe
- Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, GBG, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA28PP Wales, UK
| | - Cicero Brasileiro Mello
- Laboratório de Biologia de Insetos, GBG, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Cabral S, de Paula A, Samuels R, da Fonseca R, Gomes S, Silva JR, Mury F. Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) Immune Responses with Different Feeding Regimes Following Infection by the Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. INSECTS 2020; 11:E95. [PMID: 32024202 PMCID: PMC7074208 DOI: 10.3390/insects11020095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The mosquito Aedes aegypti is the most notorious vector of illness-causing viruses. The use of entomopathogenic fungi as bioinsecticides is a promising alternative for the development of novel mosquito control strategies. We investigate whether differences in immune responses could be responsible for modifications in survival rates of insects following different feeding regimes. Sucrose and blood-fed adult A. aegypti females were sprayed with M. anisopliae 1 × 106 conidia mL-1, and after 48 h, the midgut and fat body were dissected. We used RT-qPCR to monitor the expression of Cactus and REL1 (Toll pathway), IMD, REL2, and Caspar (IMD pathway), STAT and PIAS (JAK-STAT pathway), as well as the expression of antimicrobial peptides (Defensin A, Attacin and Cecropin G). REL1 and REL2 expression in both the midgut and fat body were higher in blood-fed fungus-challenged A. aegypti than in sucrose-fed counterparts. Interestingly, infection of sucrose-fed insects induced Cactus expression in the fat body, a negative regulator of the Toll pathway. The IMD gene was upregulated in the fat body in response to fungal infection after a blood meal. Additionally, we observed the induction of antimicrobial peptides in the blood-fed fungus-challenged insects. This study suggests that blood-fed A. aegypti are less susceptible to fungal infection due to the rapid induction of Toll and IMD immune pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cabral
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica—Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade—NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil; (S.C.); (J.R.S.)
| | - Adriano de Paula
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia—CCTA, Universidade Estadual do Norte FluminenseDarcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-603, Brazil; (A.d.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Richard Samuels
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia—CCTA, Universidade Estadual do Norte FluminenseDarcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-603, Brazil; (A.d.P.); (S.G.)
| | - Rodrigo da Fonseca
- Laboratório Integrado de Ciências Morfofuncionais—Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade –NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil;
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular—INCT-EM, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Simone Gomes
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Fitopatologia—CCTA, Universidade Estadual do Norte FluminenseDarcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-603, Brazil; (A.d.P.); (S.G.)
| | - José Roberto Silva
- Laboratório Integrado de Bioquímica—Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade—NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil; (S.C.); (J.R.S.)
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular—INCT-EM, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Flávia Mury
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular—INCT-EM, Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
- Laboratório Integrado de Biociências Translacionais—Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade—NUPEM, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil
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Ramirez JL, Muturi EJ, Flor-Weiler LB, Vermillion K, Rooney AP. Peptidoglycan Recognition Proteins (PGRPs) Modulates Mosquito Resistance to Fungal Entomopathogens in a Fungal-Strain Specific Manner. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 9:465. [PMID: 32039046 PMCID: PMC6989432 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00465] [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: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal entomopathogens are potential tools for the control of mosquito vectors that transmit infectious agents that cause disease in humans and animals. During the infection process, effective recognition of the invading fungi by the mosquito, is a crucial step in mounting an appropriate anti-fungal response. In this study, we investigated the role of peptidoglycan recognition receptors (PGRPs) in host resistance to fungal entomopathogens at the early stages of infection. Our study identified the induction of PGRP-LA, -LB, -LD, -LE, and -S1 during infection with two different fungal entomopathogenic strains. Furthermore, our data shows temporal differences in PGRP elicitation, with most PGRPs displaying significant upregulation at 60 h post-infection. Depletion of certain PGRPs via RNAi silencing resulted in a significant increase in fungal proliferation and a reduction in mosquito survival that was fungal strain-specific. Our data indicates that PGRPs play an important role in the antifungal response and expands our understanding of the factors that determine host susceptibility to fungal entomopathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L Ramirez
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, Peoria, IL, United States
| | - Ephantus J Muturi
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, Peoria, IL, United States
| | - Lina B Flor-Weiler
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, Peoria, IL, United States
| | - Karl Vermillion
- Functional Foods Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, Peoria, IL, United States
| | - Alejandro P Rooney
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, Peoria, IL, United States
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Noskov YA, Polenogova OV, Yaroslavtseva ON, Belevich OE, Yurchenko YA, Chertkova EA, Kryukova NA, Kryukov VY, Glupov VV. Combined effect of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii and avermectins on the survival and immune response of Aedes aegypti larvae. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7931. [PMID: 31667017 PMCID: PMC6816395 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Combination of insect pathogenic fungi and microbial metabolites is a prospective method for mosquito control. The effect of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii J.F. Bischoff, S.A. Rehner & Humber and avermectins on the survival and physiological parameters of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) larvae (dopamine concentration, glutathione S-transferase (GST), nonspecific esterases (EST), acid proteases, lysozyme-like, phenoloxidase (PO) activities) was studied. It is shown that the combination of these agents leads to a synergistic effect on mosquito mortality. Colonization of Ae. aegypti larvae by hyphal bodies following water inoculation with conidia is shown for the first time. The larvae affected by fungi are characterized by a decrease in PO and dopamine levels. In the initial stages of toxicosis and/or fungal infection (12 h posttreatment), increases in the activity of insect detoxifying enzymes (GST and EST) and acid proteases are observed after monotreatments, and these increases are suppressed after combined treatment with the fungus and avermectins. Lysozyme-like activity is also most strongly suppressed under combined treatment with the fungus and avermectins in the early stages posttreatment (12 h). Forty-eight hours posttreatment, we observe increases in GST, EST, acid proteases, and lysozyme-like activities under the influence of the fungus and/or avermectins. The larvae affected by avermectins accumulate lower levels of conidia than avermectin-free larvae. On the other hand, a burst of bacterial CFUs is observed under treatment with both the fungus and avermectins. We suggest that disturbance of the responses of the immune and detoxifying systems under the combined treatment and the development of opportunistic bacteria may be among the causes of the synergistic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriy A Noskov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.,Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Olga V Polenogova
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Olga N Yaroslavtseva
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Olga E Belevich
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Yuriy A Yurchenko
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A Chertkova
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Natalya A Kryukova
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vadim Yu Kryukov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Viktor V Glupov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Aedes aegypti Pupae are Highly Susceptible to Infection by Metarhizium anisopliae Blastospores. JOURNAL OF PURE AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.22207/jpam.13.3.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Lovett B, Bilgo E, Millogo SA, Ouattarra AK, Sare I, Gnambani EJ, Dabire RK, Diabate A, St. Leger RJ. Transgenic Metarhizium rapidly kills mosquitoes in a malaria-endemic region of Burkina Faso. Science 2019; 364:894-897. [DOI: 10.1126/science.aaw8737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Malaria control efforts require implementation of new technologies that manage insecticide resistance. Metarhizium pingshaense provides an effective, mosquito-specific delivery system for potent insect-selective toxins. A semifield trial in a MosquitoSphere (a contained, near-natural environment) in Soumousso, a region of Burkina Faso where malaria is endemic, confirmed that the expression of an insect-specific toxin (Hybrid) increased fungal lethality and the likelihood that insecticide-resistant mosquitoes would be eliminated from a site. Also, as Hybrid-expressing M. pingshaense is effective at very low spore doses, its efficacy lasted longer than that of the unmodified Metarhizium. Deployment of transgenic Metarhizium against mosquitoes could (subject to appropriate registration) be rapid, with products that could synergistically integrate with existing chemical control strategies to avert insecticide resistance.
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Alkhaibari AM, Lord AM, Maffeis T, Bull JC, Olivares FL, Samuels RI, Butt TM. Highly specific host-pathogen interactions influence Metarhizium brunneum blastospore virulence against Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. Virulence 2019; 9:1449-1467. [PMID: 30112970 PMCID: PMC6141145 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2018.1509665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi are potential biological control agents of mosquitoes. Our group observed that not all mosquitoes were equally susceptible to fungal infection and observed significant differences in virulence of different spore types. Conidiospores and blastospores were tested against Culex quinquefasciatus larvae. Blastospores are normally considered more virulent than conidia as they form germ tubes and penetrate the host integument more rapidly than conidia. However, when tested against Cx. quinquefasciatus, blastospores were less virulent than conidia. This host-fungus interaction was studied by optical, electron and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Furthermore, host immune responses and specific gene expression were investigated. Metarhizium brunneum (formerly M. anisopliae) ARSEF 4556 blastospores did not readily adhere to Culex larval integument and the main route of infection was through the gut. Adhesion forces between blastospores and Culex cuticle were significantly lower than for other insects. Larvae challenged with blastospores showed enhanced immune responses, with increased levels of phenoloxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, esterase, superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidase activity. Interestingly, M. brunneum pathogenicity/stress-related genes were all down-regulated in blastospores exposed to Culex. Conversely, when conidia were exposed to Culex, the pathogenicity genes involved in adhesion or cuticle degradation were up-regulated. Delayed host mortality following blastospore infection of Culex was probably due to lower adhesion rates of blastospores to the cuticle and enhanced host immune responses deployed to counter infection. The results here show that subtle differences in host-pathogen interactions can be responsible for significant changes in virulence when comparing mosquito species, having important consequences for biological control strategies and the understanding of pathogenicity processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer M Alkhaibari
- a Department of Biosciences , College of Science, Swansea University , Swansea , United Kingdom.,b Department of Biology, Faculty of Science , Tabuk University , Tabuk , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Alex M Lord
- c Centre for Nanohealth , College of Engineering, Swansea University , Swansea , United Kingdom
| | - Thierry Maffeis
- c Centre for Nanohealth , College of Engineering, Swansea University , Swansea , United Kingdom
| | - James C Bull
- a Department of Biosciences , College of Science, Swansea University , Swansea , United Kingdom
| | - Fabio L Olivares
- d Department of Cell and Tissue Biology , State University of North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro , Campos dos Goytacazes , Brazil
| | - Richard I Samuels
- e Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology , State University of North Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro , Campos dos Goytacazes , Brazil
| | - Tariq M Butt
- a Department of Biosciences , College of Science, Swansea University , Swansea , United Kingdom
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Modified Adamek's medium renders high yields of Metarhizium robertsii blastospores that are desiccation tolerant and infective to cattle-tick larvae. Fungal Biol 2018; 122:883-890. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Weeks EN, Machtinger ET, Leemon D, Geden CJ. 12. Biological control of livestock pests: entomopathogens. ECOLOGY AND CONTROL OF VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2018. [DOI: 10.3920/978-90-8686-863-6_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma N.I. Weeks
- University of Florida, Entomology and Nematology Dept., 970 Natural Area Drive, Gainesville, FL 32653, USA
| | - Erika T. Machtinger
- Penn State University, Department of Entomology, 501 ASI Building, University Park, State College, PA 16082, USA
| | - Diana Leemon
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Queensland), Agri-Science Queensland, Ecosciences Precinct, GPO Box 267, Brisbane, Queensland, 4001, Australia
| | - Christopher J. Geden
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, 1600 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
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Ramirez JL, Muturi EJ, Dunlap C, Rooney AP. Strain-specific pathogenicity and subversion of phenoloxidase activity in the mosquito Aedes aegypti by members of the fungal entomopathogenic genus Isaria. Sci Rep 2018; 8:9896. [PMID: 29967469 PMCID: PMC6028645 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28210-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of alternative vector control strategies are becoming more pressing given the rapid evolution of insecticide resistance and the rise of vector borne pathogens affecting public health such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Fungal-based biopesticides are promising alternatives to synthetic insecticides because they are ecofriendly and are highly effective at infecting insects through contact. This study evaluated the susceptibility of the yellow fever mosquito Ae. aegypti to a range of entomopathogenic fungal strains from the genus Isaria. We observed a diverse variation in the virulence of the Isaria strains tested, with two strains showing high pathogenicity towards adult mosquitoes. Mosquito susceptibility to fungal infection was further corroborated through the molecular quantification of fungal loads and the transcript evaluation of a fungal-specific pathogen recognition molecule in the mosquito body. Moreover, quantitative analysis of transcript abundance coupled with enzymatic assays revealed strain-specific subversion of the melanization cascade, an important immune response component. Our study contributes critical insights for a better understanding of fungal-mosquito interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L Ramirez
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois, USA.
| | - Ephantus J Muturi
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois, USA
| | - Christopher Dunlap
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois, USA
| | - Alejandro P Rooney
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois, USA
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Bernardo CC, Barreto LP, e Silva CDS, Luz C, Arruda W, Fernandes ÉK. Conidia and blastospores of Metarhizium spp. and Beauveria bassiana s.l.: Their development during the infection process and virulence against the tick Rhipicephalus microplus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1334-1342. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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50
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Ramirez JL, Dunlap CA, Muturi EJ, Barletta ABF, Rooney AP. Entomopathogenic fungal infection leads to temporospatial modulation of the mosquito immune system. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006433. [PMID: 29684026 PMCID: PMC5933799 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative methods of mosquito control are needed to tackle the rising burden of mosquito-borne diseases while minimizing the use of synthetic insecticides, which are threatened by the rapid increase in insecticide resistance in mosquito populations. Fungal biopesticides show great promise as potential alternatives because of their ecofriendly nature and ability to infect mosquitoes on contact. Here we describe the temporospatial interactions between the mosquito Aedes aegypti and several entomopathogenic fungi. Fungal infection assays followed by the molecular assessment of infection-responsive genes revealed an intricate interaction between the mosquito immune system and entomopathogenic fungi. We observed contrasting tissue and time-specific differences in the activation of immune signaling pathways and antimicrobial peptide expression. In addition, these antifungal responses appear to vary according to the fungal entomopathogen used in the infection. Enzyme activity-based assays coupled with gene expression analysis of prophenoloxidase genes revealed a reduction in phenoloxidase (PO) activity in mosquitoes infected with the most virulent fungal strains at 3 and 6d post-fungal infection. Moreover, fungal infection led to an increase in midgut microbiota that appear to be attributed in part to reduced midgut reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity. This indicates that the fungal infection has far reaching effects on other microbes naturally associated with mosquitoes. This study also revealed that despite fungal recognition and immune elicitation by the mosquito, it is unable to successfully eliminate the entomopathogenic fungal infection. Our study provides new insights into this intricate multipartite interaction and contributes to a better understanding of mosquito antifungal immunity. Fungal biopesticides constitute potential alternative methods of vector control to tackle the rising burden of mosquito-borne diseases and the development of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes. Insect-fungi interactions represent an intricate co-evolutionary arms race between the invading pathogen and its arthropod host. New knowledge gathered through such studies can lead to the design of more effective microbial control strategies. Here we explored the temporospatial interaction of the mosquito Aedes aegypti with three different entomopathogenic fungi. Infection assays followed by gene expression studies revealed tissue-specific immune responses that appear to be temporal and fungal strain-specific. Our data shows that fungal infection causes significant reduction in phenoloxidase activity at the later stages of infection. The multifaceted response mounted by the mosquito against the fungal challenge appears to result in the dysregulation of midgut homeostasis, noted by an increase in midgut microbiota, especially in mosquitoes infected with the most virulent strains. Our study demonstrates an intricate mosquito-fungi interaction that, despite fungal recognition and immune response by the mosquito, results in death of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L. Ramirez
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Christopher A. Dunlap
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ephantus J. Muturi
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ana B. F. Barletta
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alejandro P. Rooney
- Crop Bioprotection Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Peoria, Illinois, United States of America
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