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Herrera-Rodríguez D, Jareño-Moreno S, Buch-Cardona C, Mougeot F, Luque-Larena JJ, Vidal D. Water and mosquitoes as key components of the infective cycle of Francisella tularensis in Europe: a review. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024; 50:922-936. [PMID: 38393764 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2319040] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is the pathogen of tularemia, a zoonotic disease that have a broad range of hosts. Its epidemiology is related to aquatic environments, particularly in the subspecies holarctica. In this review, we explore the role of water and mosquitoes in the epidemiology of Francisella in Europe. F. tularensis epidemiology has been linked to natural waters, where its persistence has been associated with biofilm and amebas. In Sweden and Finland, the European countries where most human cases have been reported, mosquito bites are a main route of transmission. F. tularensis is present in other European countries, but to date positive mosquitoes have not been found. Biofilm and amebas are potential sources of Francisella for mosquito larvae, however, mosquito vector capacity has not been demonstrated experimentally, with the need to be studied using local species to uncover a potential transmission adaptation. Transstadial, for persistence through life stages, and mechanical transmission, suggesting contaminated media as a source for infection, have been studied experimentally for mosquitoes, but their natural occurrence needs to be evaluated. It is important to clear up the role of different local mosquito species in the epidemiology of F. tularensis and their importance in all areas where tularemia is present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Herrera-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha (UCLM), Ciudad Real, España
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ciudad Real, España
| | - Sara Jareño-Moreno
- Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, España
| | - Clara Buch-Cardona
- Facultad de Biociencias, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, España
| | - François Mougeot
- Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC - CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Ciudad Real, España
| | - Juan José Luque-Larena
- Departamento de Ciencias Agroforestales, E.T.S. Ingenierías Agrarias, Universidad de Valladolid (UVa), Palencia, España
- Sustainable Forest Management Research Institute (iuFOR), Universidad de Valladolid (UVa), Palencia, España
| | - Dolors Vidal
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Castilla la Mancha (UCLM), Ciudad Real, España
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2
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Bontemps Z, Paranjape K, Guy L. Host-bacteria interactions: ecological and evolutionary insights from ancient, professional endosymbionts. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2024; 48:fuae021. [PMID: 39081075 PMCID: PMC11338181 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuae021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Interactions between eukaryotic hosts and their bacterial symbionts drive key ecological and evolutionary processes, from regulating ecosystems to the evolution of complex molecular machines and processes. Over time, endosymbionts generally evolve reduced genomes, and their relationship with their host tends to stabilize. However, host-bacteria relationships may be heavily influenced by environmental changes. Here, we review these effects on one of the most ancient and diverse endosymbiotic groups, formed by-among others-Legionellales, Francisellaceae, and Piscirickettsiaceae. This group is referred to as Deep-branching Intracellular Gammaproteobacteria (DIG), whose last common ancestor presumably emerged about 2 Ga ago. We show that DIGs are globally distributed, but generally at very low abundance, and are mainly identified in aquatic biomes. Most DIGs harbour a type IVB secretion system, critical for host-adaptation, but its structure and composition vary. Finally, we review the different types of microbial interactions that can occur in diverse environments, with direct or indirect effects on DIG populations. The increased use of omics technologies on environmental samples will allow a better understanding of host-bacterial interactions and help unravel the definition of DIGs as a group from an ecological, molecular, and evolutionary perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zélia Bontemps
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75237 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kiran Paranjape
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75237 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lionel Guy
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 75237 Uppsala, Sweden
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3
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Zhang L, Wang D, Shi P, Li J, Niu J, Chen J, Wang G, Wu L, Chen L, Yang Z, Li S, Meng J, Ruan F, He Y, Zhao H, Ren Z, Wang Y, Liu Y, Shi X, Wang Y, Liu Q, Li J, Wang P, Wang J, Zhu Y, Cheng G. A naturally isolated symbiotic bacterium suppresses flavivirus transmission by Aedes mosquitoes. Science 2024; 384:eadn9524. [PMID: 38669573 DOI: 10.1126/science.adn9524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The commensal microbiota of the mosquito gut plays a complex role in determining the vector competence for arboviruses. In this study, we identified a bacterium from the gut of field Aedes albopictus mosquitoes named Rosenbergiella sp. YN46 (Rosenbergiella_YN46) that rendered mosquitoes refractory to infection with dengue and Zika viruses. Inoculation of 1.6 × 103 colony forming units (CFUs) of Rosenbergiella_YN46 into A. albopictus mosquitoes effectively prevents viral infection. Mechanistically, this bacterium secretes glucose dehydrogenase (RyGDH), which acidifies the gut lumen of fed mosquitoes, causing irreversible conformational changes in the flavivirus envelope protein that prevent viral entry into cells. In semifield conditions, Rosenbergiella_YN46 exhibits effective transstadial transmission in field mosquitoes, which blocks transmission of dengue virus by newly emerged adult mosquitoes. The prevalence of Rosenbergiella_YN46 is greater in mosquitoes from low-dengue areas (52.9 to ~91.7%) than in those from dengue-endemic regions (0 to ~6.7%). Rosenbergiella_YN46 may offer an effective and safe lead for flavivirus biocontrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Zhang
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Institute of Pathogenic Organisms, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Daxi Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Unknown Pathogen Identification, BGI Research, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Peibo Shi
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Unknown Pathogen Identification, BGI Research, Shenzhen 518083, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Juzhen Li
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jichen Niu
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jielong Chen
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Gang Wang
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Linjuan Wu
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lu Chen
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhenxing Yang
- Yunnan Tropical and Subtropical Animal Viral Disease Laboratory, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
| | - Susheng Li
- Yunnan Tropical and Subtropical Animal Viral Disease Laboratory, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
| | - Jinxin Meng
- Yunnan Tropical and Subtropical Animal Viral Disease Laboratory, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
| | - Fangchao Ruan
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
| | - Yuwen He
- Yunnan Tropical and Subtropical Animal Viral Disease Laboratory, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
| | - Hailong Zhao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Unknown Pathogen Identification, BGI Research, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Zirui Ren
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Unknown Pathogen Identification, BGI Research, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Yibaina Wang
- China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100022, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Xiaolu Shi
- Institute of Pathogenic Organisms, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yunfu Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - Qiyong Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Junhua Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Unknown Pathogen Identification, BGI Research, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Penghua Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Yunnan Tropical and Subtropical Animal Viral Disease Laboratory, Yunnan Animal Science and Veterinary Institute, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
| | - Yibin Zhu
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute of Pathogenic Organisms, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Gong Cheng
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518000, China
- Institute of Pathogenic Organisms, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
- Southwest United Graduate School, Kunming 650092, China
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Sharma R, Patil RD, Singh B, Chakraborty S, Chandran D, Dhama K, Gopinath D, Jairath G, Rialch A, Mal G, Singh P, Chaicumpa W, Saikumar G. Tularemia - a re-emerging disease with growing concern. Vet Q 2023; 43:1-16. [PMID: 37916743 PMCID: PMC10732219 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2023.2277753] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tularemia caused by Gram-negative, coccobacillus bacterium, Francisella tularensis, is a highly infectious zoonotic disease. Human cases have been reported mainly from the United States, Nordic countries like Sweden and Finland, and some European and Asian countries. Naturally, the disease occurs in several vertebrates, particularly lagomorphs. Type A (subspecies tularensis) is more virulent and causes disease mainly in North America; type B (subspecies holarctica) is widespread, while subspecies mediasiatica is present in central Asia. F. tularensis is a possible bioweapon due to its lethality, low infectious dosage, and aerosol transmission. Small mammals like rabbits, hares, and muskrats are primary sources of human infections, but true reservoir of F. tularensis is unknown. Vector-borne tularemia primarily involves ticks and mosquitoes. The bacterial subspecies involved and mode of transmission determine the clinical picture. Early signs are flu-like illnesses that may evolve into different clinical forms of tularemia that may or may not include lymphadenopathy. Ulcero-glandular and glandular forms are acquired by arthropod bite or handling of infected animals, oculo-glandular form as a result of conjunctival infection, and oro-pharyngeal form by intake of contaminated food or water. Pulmonary form appears after inhalation of bacteria. Typhoidal form may occur after infection via different routes. Human-to-human transmission has not been known. Diagnosis can be achieved by serology, bacterial culture, and molecular methods. Treatment for tularemia typically entails use of quinolones, tetracyclines, or aminoglycosides. Preventive measures are necessary to avoid infection although difficult to implement. Research is underway for the development of effective live attenuated and subunit vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinku Sharma
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Rajendra Damu Patil
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, DGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK HPKV, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Birbal Singh
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Sandip Chakraborty
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, R.K. Nagar, West Tripura, India
| | | | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Devi Gopinath
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Gauri Jairath
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Ajayta Rialch
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Gorakh Mal
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Putan Singh
- Disease Investigation Laboratory, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Regional Station, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Center of Research Excellence in Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - G. Saikumar
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Kianifard L, Rafiqi AM, Akcakir O, Aly ASI, Billingsley PF, Uysal S. A recombinant Aspergillus oryzae fungus transmitted from larvae to adults of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes inhibits malaria parasite oocyst development. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12177. [PMID: 37500682 PMCID: PMC10374630 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38654-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The control of malaria parasite transmission from mosquitoes to humans is hampered by decreasing efficacies of insecticides, development of drug resistance against the last-resort antimalarials, and the absence of effective vaccines. Herein, the anti-plasmodial transmission blocking activity of a recombinant Aspergillus oryzae (A. oryzae-R) fungus strain, which is used in human food industry, was investigated in laboratory-reared Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. The recombinant fungus strain was genetically modified to secrete two anti-plasmodial effector peptides, MP2 (midgut peptide 2) and EPIP (enolase-plasminogen interaction peptide) peptides. The transstadial transmission of the fungus from larvae to adult mosquitoes was confirmed following inoculation of A. oryzae-R in the water trays used for larval rearing. Secretion of the anti-plasmodial effector peptides inside the mosquito midguts inhibited oocyst formation of P. berghei parasites. These results indicate that A. oryzae can be used as a paratransgenesis model carrying effector proteins to inhibit malaria parasite development in An. stephensi. Further studies are needed to determine if this recombinant fungus can be adapted under natural conditions, with a minimal or no impact on the environment, to target mosquito-borne infectious disease agents inside their vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Kianifard
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, 34820, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ab Matteen Rafiqi
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, 34820, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Osman Akcakir
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, 34820, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmed S I Aly
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, 34820, Istanbul, Turkey
- School of Science and Engineering, Al Akhawayn University, Ifrane, 53000, Morocco
| | - Peter F Billingsley
- Sanaria Inc., 9800 Medical Center Dr., Suite A209, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Serdar Uysal
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, 34820, Istanbul, Turkey.
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6
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Mlynek KD, Bozue JA. Why vary what's working? Phase variation and biofilm formation in Francisella tularensis. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1076694. [PMID: 36560950 PMCID: PMC9763628 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1076694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The notoriety of high-consequence human pathogens has increased in recent years and, rightfully, research efforts have focused on understanding host-pathogen interactions. Francisella tularensis has been detected in an impressively broad range of vertebrate hosts as well as numerous arthropod vectors and single-celled organisms. Two clinically important subspecies, F. tularensis subsp. tularensis (Type A) and F. tularensis subsp. holarctica (Type B), are responsible for the majority of tularemia cases in humans. The success of this bacterium in mammalian hosts can be at least partly attributed to a unique LPS molecule that allows the bacterium to avoid detection by the host immune system. Curiously, phase variation of the O-antigen incorporated into LPS has been documented in these subspecies of F. tularensis, and these variants often display some level of attenuation in infection models. While the role of phase variation in F. tularensis biology is unclear, it has been suggested that this phenomenon can aid in environmental survival and persistence. Biofilms have been established as the predominant lifestyle of many bacteria in the environment, though, it was previously thought that Type A and B isolates of F. tularensis typically form poor biofilms. Recent studies question this ideology as it was shown that alteration of the O-antigen allows robust biofilm formation in both Type A and B isolates. This review aims to explore the link between phase variation of the O-antigen, biofilm formation, and environmental persistence with an emphasis on clinically relevant subspecies and how understanding these poorly studied mechanisms could lead to new medical countermeasures to combat tularemia.
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Kukla R, Kračmarová R, Ryšková L, Bavlovič J, Pellantová V, Bolehovská R, Fajfr M, Pavlík I, Boštík P. Francisella tularensis caused cervical lymphadenopathy in little children after a tick bite: Two case reports and a short literature review. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 13:101893. [PMID: 34990926 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although Francisella (F.) tularensis is a well-described and understood zoonotic pathogen, its importance in Central Europe is relatively minor and, as such, tularaemia may be missed in the differential diagnosis. The annual incidence of tularaemia in the Czech Republic is relatively stable with up to 100 reported cases per year, except in the epidemic years 1998 and 1999 with 225 and 222 reported cases, respectively. It is, however, higher in comparison with the neighbouring countries. The common route of transmission in Central Europe is handling infected animals. Tularaemia is not commonly recognized as a tick-borne disease. Here we report two rare cases of a tick bite-associated ulceroglandular form of tularaemia in 2.5-year-old and 6.5-year-old children presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy. The unusual and interesting features of those cases are the young age and relatively uncommon route of transmission suggesting possible changes in the epidemiology of tularaemia in the Czech Republic. Therefore, the infection with F. tularensis should be considered in the differential diagnosis after a tick bite even in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Kukla
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital and Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Sokolská 581, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Renata Kračmarová
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, Sokolská 581, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Ryšková
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital and Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Sokolská 581, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Bavlovič
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital and Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Sokolská 581, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic; Department of Molecular Pathology and Biology, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Trebešská 1575, 50001 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Věra Pellantová
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital, Sokolská 581, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Radka Bolehovská
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital and Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Sokolská 581, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Fajfr
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital and Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Sokolská 581, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Ivo Pavlík
- Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies, Mendel University in Brno, tr. Generála Píky 7, 61300, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Boštík
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital and Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Sokolská 581, 50005 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
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Sormunen JJ, Pakanen VM, Elo R, Mäkelä S, Hytönen J. Absence of Francisella tularensis in Finnish Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes persulcatus ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 12:101809. [PMID: 34454337 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101809] [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: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica is the causative agent of tularaemia in Europe. Finland is a high-incidence region for tularaemia, with mosquito bites as the most common sources of infection. However, in Central and Western Europe, ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) have been suggested as the main vectors. Indeed, several studies have reported the pathogen from the locally most common human-biting tick species, Ixodes ricinus. In Finland, the occurrence of the pathogen in ticks has started receiving attention only recently. Here, we collate previous tick screening data from Finland regarding F. tularensis as well as present the results from a novel screening of roughly 15 000 I. ricinus and I. persulcatus collected from across the country. In total, 14 878 ticks collected between 2015 and 2020 were screened for F. tularensis using a TaqMan-based qPCR assay targeting the 23 KDa gene. The combined screening efforts of the current and previous studies, encompassing roughly 20 000 ticks, did not find any positive ticks. Given the negative results despite the considerable sample size, it appears that the pathogen is not circulating in local tick populations in Finland. We discuss some possible reasons for the lack of the bacterium in ticks in this high-incidence region of tularaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veli-Matti Pakanen
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Ecology and Genetics Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Riikka Elo
- Biodiversity Unit, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Tampere Museum of Natural History, Museum center Vapriikki, Tampere, Finland
| | - Satu Mäkelä
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jukka Hytönen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Laboratory Division, Clinical Microbiology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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9
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da Silva AF, Dezordi FZ, Machado LC, de Oliveira RD, Qin S, Fan H, Zhang X, Tong Y, Silva MM, Loreto ELS, Wallau GL. Metatranscriptomic analysis identifies different viral-like sequences in two neotropical Mansoniini mosquito species. Virus Res 2021; 301:198455. [PMID: 34015364 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes interact with a wide range of viruses including both arboviruses and insect-specific viruses. This study aimed to characterize the RNA viruses that are interacting with Mansonia wilsoni and Coquillettidia hermanoi mosquito species. The total RNA extracted from mosquito pools were sequenced on a Ion torrent platform. Viral contigs were identified against viral databases and their evolutionary relationship were reconstructed. We identified a total of 107 viral sequences, 11 of which were assigned as endogenous viral elements, and at least six known viral families were identified. Phylogenetic reconstructions were performed for 4 viral families. All Mansoniini viruses investigated through phylogenetic analysis are closely related to insect-specific viruses found in other mosquito species although with considerable divergence at the amino acid level, suggesting that we have detected new viral lineages. This study enhanced our understanding about the virome of two sylvatic Mansoniini mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Freitas da Silva
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Biotecnologia em Saúde, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Núcleo de Bioinformática, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Departamento de Entomologia, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Filipe Zimmer Dezordi
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Biotecnologia em Saúde, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Núcleo de Bioinformática, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Departamento de Entomologia, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Laís Ceschini Machado
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Biotecnologia em Saúde, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Dias de Oliveira
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Si Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Hang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xianglilan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yigang Tong
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering (BAIC-SM), College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, PR China
| | - Monica Medeiros Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Elgion Lucio Silva Loreto
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Luz Wallau
- Departamento de Entomologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Biociências e Biotecnologia em Saúde, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil; Núcleo de Bioinformática, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Departamento de Entomologia, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
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10
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Culverwell CL, Uusitalo RJ, Korhonen EM, Vapalahti OP, Huhtamo E, Harbach RE. The mosquitoes of Finland: updated distributions and bionomics. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 35:1-29. [PMID: 32997823 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) were collected in Finland between 2012 and 2018 to determine the species present and their distributions. In total, 52 466 specimens from 1031 collections formed the basis for the preparation of distribution maps for each of the 40 species that were collected. Anopheles maculipennis s.s., An. claviger, Aedes geminus and Ochlerotatus sticticus are confirmed on mainland Finland after previous records were uncertain or absent. Coquillettidia richiardii, Culiseta morsitans, Cs. ochroptera, Culex territans, Cx. torrentium, Oc. leucomelas, Oc. nigrinus, Oc. pullatus and Oc. punctodes occur more widely than previously reported. Three species, Ae. rossicus, Cs. subochrea and Oc. cyprius were not collected, although Ae. rossicus was subsequently found in Lapland by another researcher. No invasive species were collected. Ochlerotatus communis, an aggressive biter, was the most commonly encountered species. Larval collection data suggest that several species may have up to three generations per year in Finland, with Cx. torrentium and Cx. pipiens having at least two, and Oc. communis and Oc. punctor regularly found as larvae across the summer. These data, especially when coupled with historical records, are vital for monitoring species which have significant vector potential, particularly when faced with a warming climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Culverwell
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, UK
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - R J Uusitalo
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Geosciences and Geography, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - E M Korhonen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - O P Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - E Huhtamo
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - R E Harbach
- The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, UK
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11
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Golovliov I, Bäckman S, Granberg M, Salomonsson E, Lundmark E, Näslund J, Busch JD, Birdsell D, Sahl JW, Wagner DM, Johansson A, Forsman M, Thelaus J. Long-Term Survival of Virulent Tularemia Pathogens outside a Host in Conditions That Mimic Natural Aquatic Environments. Appl Environ Microbiol 2021; 87:e02713-20. [PMID: 33397692 PMCID: PMC8104992 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02713-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis, the causative agent of the zoonotic disease tularemia, can cause seasonal outbreaks of acute febrile illness in humans with disease peaks in late summer to autumn. Interestingly, its mechanisms for environmental persistence between outbreaks are poorly understood. One hypothesis is that F. tularensis forms biofilms in aquatic environments. We utilized two fully virulent wild-type strains: FSC200 (Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica) and Schu S4 (Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis) and three control strains, the attenuated live vaccine strain (LVS; F. tularensis subsp. holarctica), a Schu S4 ΔwbtI mutant that is documented to form biofilms, and the low-virulence strain U112 of the closely related species Francisella novicida Strains were incubated in saline solution (0.9% NaCl) microcosms for 24 weeks at both 4°C and 20°C, whereupon viability and biofilm formation were measured. These temperatures were selected to approximate winter and summer temperatures of fresh water in Scandinavia, respectively. U112 and Schu S4 ΔwbtI formed biofilms, but F. tularensis strains FSC200 and Schu S4 and the LVS did not. All strains exhibited prolonged viability at 4°C compared to 20°C. U112 and FSC200 displayed remarkable long-term persistence at 4°C, with only 1- and 2-fold log reductions, respectively, of viable cells after 24 weeks. Schu S4 exhibited lower survival, yielding no viable cells by week 20. At 24 weeks, cells from FSC200, but not from Schu S4, were still fully virulent in mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate biofilm-independent, long-term survival of pathogenic F. tularensis subsp. holarctica in conditions that mimic overwinter survival in aquatic environments.IMPORTANCE Tularemia, a disease caused by the environmental bacterium Francisella tularensis, is characterized by acute febrile illness. F. tularensis is highly infectious: as few as 10 organisms can cause human disease. Tularemia is not known to be spread from person to person. Rather, all human infections are independently acquired from the environment via the bite of blood-feeding arthropods, ingestion of infected food or water, or inhalation of aerosolized bacteria. Despite the environmental origins of human disease events, the ecological factors governing the long-term persistence of F. tularensis in nature between seasonal human outbreaks are poorly understood. The significance of our research is in identifying conditions that promote long-term survival of fully virulent F. tularensis outside a mammalian host or insect vector. These conditions are similar to those found in natural aquatic environments in winter and provide important new insights on how F. tularensis may persist long-term in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Golovliov
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Stina Bäckman
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Malin Granberg
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Emelie Salomonsson
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Eva Lundmark
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jonas Näslund
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Joseph D Busch
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Dawn Birdsell
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Jason W Sahl
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - David M Wagner
- Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Anders Johansson
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mats Forsman
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Johanna Thelaus
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency FOI, Umeå, Sweden
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12
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Abdellahoum Z, Maurin M, Bitam I. Tularemia as a Mosquito-Borne Disease. Microorganisms 2020; 9:microorganisms9010026. [PMID: 33374861 PMCID: PMC7823759 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis (Ft) is the etiological agent of tularemia, a disease known for over 100 years in the northern hemisphere. Ft includes four subspecies, of which two are the etiologic agents of tularemia: Ft subsp. tularensis (Ftt) and Ft subsp. holarctica (Fth), mainly distributed in North America and the whole northern hemisphere, respectively. Several routes of human infection with these bacteria exist, notably through bites of Ixodidae ticks. However, mosquitoes represent the main vectors of Fth in Scandinavia, where large tularemia outbreaks have occurred, usually during the warm season. The mechanisms making mosquitoes vectors of Fth are still unclear. This review covers the inventory of research work and epidemiological data linking tularemia to mosquitoes in Scandinavia and highlights the gaps in understanding mosquitoes and Ft interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakaria Abdellahoum
- Laboratoire Biodiversité et Environnement: Interaction Génome, Faculté des Sciences Biologique, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, Alger 16111, Algeria;
| | - Max Maurin
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, 38043 Grenoble, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, TIMC-IMAG, UMR5525, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38400 Saint Martin d’Heres, France
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (I.B.); Tel.: +33-476-769-594 (M.M.); +213-559-775-322 (I.B.)
| | - Idir Bitam
- Laboratoire Biodiversité et Environnement: Interaction Génome, Faculté des Sciences Biologique, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, Alger 16111, Algeria;
- Ecole Supérieure des Sciences de l’Aliment et des Industries Alimentaires, Alger 16004, Algeria
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (I.B.); Tel.: +33-476-769-594 (M.M.); +213-559-775-322 (I.B.)
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13
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Culicidae evolutionary history focusing on the Culicinae subfamily based on mitochondrial phylogenomics. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18823. [PMID: 33139764 PMCID: PMC7606482 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74883-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are insects of medical importance due their role as vectors of different pathogens to humans. There is a lack of information about the evolutionary history and phylogenetic positioning of the majority of mosquito species. Here we characterized the mitogenomes of mosquito species through low-coverage whole genome sequencing and data mining. A total of 37 draft mitogenomes of different species were assembled from which 16 are newly-sequenced species. We datamined additional 49 mosquito mitogenomes, and together with our 37 mitogenomes, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of 86 species including representatives from 15 genera and 7 tribes. Our results showed that most of the species clustered in clades with other members of their own genus with exception of Aedes genus which was paraphyletic. We confirmed the monophyletic status of the Mansoniini tribe including both Coquillettidia and Mansonia genus. The Aedeomyiini and Uranotaeniini were consistently recovered as basal to other tribes in the subfamily Culicinae, although the exact relationships among these tribes differed between analyses. These results demonstrate that low-coverage sequencing is effective to recover mitogenomes, establish phylogenetic knowledge and hence generate basic fundamental information that will help in the understanding of the role of these species as pathogen vectors.
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14
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Novel Mitochondrial DNA Lineage Found among Ochlerotatus communis (De Geer, 1776) of the Nordic-Baltic Region. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11060397. [PMID: 32604846 PMCID: PMC7348767 DOI: 10.3390/insects11060397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The Ochlerotatus (Oc.) communis complex consist of three Northern American species as well as a common Holarctic mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Oc. communis (De Geer, 1776). These sister species exhibit important ecological differences and are capable of transmitting various pathogens, but cannot always be differentiated by morphological traits. To investigate the Oc. communis complex in Europe, we compared three molecular markers (COI, ND5 and ITS2) from 54 Estonian mosquitoes as well as two COI marker sequences from Sweden. These sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis and screened for Wolbachia Hertig and Wolbach symbionts. Within and between groups, distances were calculated for each marker to better understand the relationships among individuals. Results demonstrate that a group of samples, extracted from adult female mosquitoes matching the morphology of Oc. communis, show a marked difference from the main species when comparing the mitochondrial markers COI and ND5. However, there is no variance between the same specimens when considering the nuclear ITS2. We conclude that Oc. communis encompasses two distinct mitochondrial DNA lineages in the Nordic-Baltic region. Further research is needed to investigate the origin and extent of these genetic differences.
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15
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Bartonella species in medically important mosquitoes, Central Europe. Parasitol Res 2020; 119:2713-2717. [PMID: 32506253 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06732-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Here, we provide the first mass molecular screening of medically important mosquitoes for Bartonella species using multiple genetic markers. We examined a total of 72,115 mosquito specimens, morphologically attributed to Aedes vexans (61,050 individuals), Culex pipiens (10,484 individuals) and species of the Anopheles maculipennis complex (581 individuals) for Bartonella spp. The initial screening yielded 63 Bartonella-positive A. vexans mosquitoes (mean prevalence 0.1%), 34 Bartonella-positive C. pipiens mosquitoes (mean prevalence 0.3%) and 158 Bartonella-positive A. maculipennis group mosquitoes (mean prevalence 27.2%). Several different Bartonella ITS sequences were recovered. This study highlights the need for molecular screening of mosquitoes, the most important vectors of arthropod-borne pathogens, for potential bacterial agents.
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16
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Abstract
Tularemia is a Holarctic zoonosis caused by the gamma proteobacterium Francisella tularensis and is considered to be a vector-borne disease. In many regions, human risk is associated with the bites of flies, mosquitoes, or ticks. But the biology of the agent is such that risk may be fomite related, and large outbreaks can occur due to inhalation or ingestion of contaminated materials. Such well-documented human risk factors suggest a role for these risk factors in the enzootic cycle as well. Many arthropods support the growth or survival of the agent, but whether arthropods (ticks in particular) are obligately required for the perpetuation of F. tularensis remains to be demonstrated. As with most zoonoses, our knowledge of the ecology of F. tularensis has been driven with the objective of understanding human risk. In this review, we focus on the role of the arthropod in maintaining F. tularensis, particularly with respect to long-term enzootic persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam R Telford
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health and New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536, USA;
| | - Heidi K Goethert
- Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health and New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536, USA;
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17
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Hutchison JR, Brooks SM, Kennedy ZC, Pope TR, Deatherage Kaiser BL, Victry KD, Warner CL, Oxford KL, Omberg KM, Warner MG. Polysaccharide-based liquid storage and transport media for non-refrigerated preservation of bacterial pathogens. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221831. [PMID: 31490969 PMCID: PMC6730858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The preservation of biological samples for an extended time period of days to weeks after initial collection is important for the identification, screening, and characterization of bacterial pathogens. Traditionally, preservation relies on cold-chain infrastructure; however, in many situations this is impractical or not possible. Thus, our goal was to develop alternative bacterial sample preservation and transport media that are effective without refrigeration or external instrumentation. The viability, nucleic acid stability, and protein stability of Bacillus anthracis Sterne 34F2, Francisella novicida U112, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300, and Yersinia pestis KIM D27 (pgm-) was assessed for up to 28 days. Xanthan gum (XG) prepared in PBS with L-cysteine maintained more viable F. novicida U112 cells at elevated temperature (40°C) compared to commercial reagents and buffers. Viability was maintained for all four bacteria in XG with 0.9 mM L-cysteine across a temperature range of 22-40°C. Interestingly, increasing the concentration to 9 mM L-cysteine resulted in the rapid death of S. aureus. This could be advantageous when collecting samples in the built environment where there is the potential for Staphylococcus collection and stabilization rather than other organisms of interest. F. novicida and S. aureus DNA were stable for up to 45 days upon storage at 22°C or 40°C, and direct analysis by real-time qPCR, without DNA extraction, was possible in the XG formulations. XG was not compatible with proteomic analysis via LC-MS/MS due to the high amount of residual Xanthomonas campestris proteins present in XG. Our results demonstrate that polysaccharide-based formulations, specifically XG with L-cysteine, maintain bacterial viability and nucleic acid integrity for an array of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria across ambient and elevated temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine R. Hutchison
- Chemical and Biological Signature Sciences Group, National Security Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JH); (MW)
| | - Shelby M. Brooks
- Subsurface Science and Technology Group, Energy and Environment Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States of America
| | - Zachary C. Kennedy
- Chemical and Biological Signature Sciences Group, National Security Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States of America
| | - Timothy R. Pope
- Chemical and Biological Signature Sciences Group, National Security Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States of America
| | - Brooke L. Deatherage Kaiser
- Chemical and Biological Signature Sciences Group, National Security Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States of America
| | - Kristin D. Victry
- Chemical and Biological Signature Sciences Group, National Security Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States of America
| | - Cynthia L. Warner
- Chemical and Biological Signature Sciences Group, National Security Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States of America
| | - Kristie L. Oxford
- Integrated Omics, Earth and Biological Sciences Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States of America
| | - Kristin M. Omberg
- Chemical and Biological Signature Sciences Group, National Security Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States of America
| | - Marvin G. Warner
- Chemical and Biological Signature Sciences Group, National Security Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JH); (MW)
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18
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Sindbis virus polyarthritis outbreak signalled by virus prevalence in the mosquito vectors. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007702. [PMID: 31465453 PMCID: PMC6738656 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyarthritis and rash caused by Sindbis virus (SINV), was first recognised in northern Europe about 50 years ago and is known as Ockelbo disease in Sweden and Pogosta disease in Finland. This mosquito-borne virus occurs mainly in tropical and sub-tropical countries, and in northern Europe it is suggested to cause regularly reoccurring outbreaks. Here a seven-year cycle of SINV outbreaks has been referred to in scientific papers, although the hypothesis is based solely on reported human cases. In the search for a more objective outbreak signal, we evaluated mosquito abundance and SINV prevalence in vector mosquitoes from an endemic area in central Sweden. Vector mosquitoes collected in the River Dalälven floodplains during the years before, during, and after the hypothesised 2002 outbreak year were assayed for virus on cell culture. Obtained isolates were partially sequenced, and the nucleotide sequences analysed using Bayesian maximum clade credibility and median joining network analysis. Only one SINV strain was recovered in 2001, and 4 strains in 2003, while 15 strains were recovered in 2002 with significantly increased infection rates in both the enzootic and the bridge-vectors. In 2002, the Maximum Likelihood Estimated infection rates were 10.0/1000 in the enzootic vectors Culex torrentium/pipiens, and 0.62/1000 in the bridge-vector Aedes cinereus, compared to 4.9/1000 and 0.0/1000 in 2001 and 0.0/1000 and 0.32/1000 in 2003 Sequence analysis showed that all isolates belonged to the SINV genotype I (SINV-I). The genetic analysis revealed local maintenance of four SINV-I clades in the River Dalälven floodplains over the years. Our findings suggest that increased SINV-I prevalence in vector mosquitoes constitutes the most valuable outbreak marker for further scrutinising the hypothesized seven-year cycle of SINV-I outbreaks and the mechanisms behind.
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19
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Hennebique A, Boisset S, Maurin M. Tularemia as a waterborne disease: a review. Emerg Microbes Infect 2019; 8:1027-1042. [PMID: 31287787 PMCID: PMC6691783 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2019.1638734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative, intracellular bacterium causing the zoonosis tularemia. This highly infectious microorganism is considered a potential biological threat agent. Humans are usually infected through direct contact with the animal reservoir and tick bites. However, tularemia cases also occur after contact with a contaminated hydro-telluric environment. Water-borne tularemia outbreaks and sporadic cases have occurred worldwide in the last decades, with specific clinical and epidemiological traits. These infections represent a major public health and military challenge. Human contaminations have occurred through consumption or use of F. tularensis-contaminated water, and various aquatic activities such as swimming, canyoning and fishing. In addition, in Sweden and Finland, mosquitoes are primary vectors of tularemia due to infection of mosquito larvae in contaminated aquatic environments. The mechanisms of F. tularensis survival in water may include the formation of biofilms, interactions with free-living amoebae, and the transition to a 'viable but nonculturable' state, but the relative contribution of these possible mechanisms remains unknown. Many new aquatic species of Francisella have been characterized in recent years. F. tularensis likely shares with these species an ability of long-term survival in the aquatic environment, which has to be considered in terms of tularemia surveillance and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Hennebique
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, TIMC-IMAG, Grenoble, France
| | - Sandrine Boisset
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, TIMC-IMAG, Grenoble, France
| | - Max Maurin
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, TIMC-IMAG, Grenoble, France
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20
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Janse I, Maas M, Rijks JM, Koene M, van der Plaats RQ, Engelsma M, van der Tas P, Braks M, Stroo A, Notermans DW, de Vries MC, Reubsaet F, Fanoy E, Swaan C, Kik MJ, IJzer J, Jaarsma RI, van Wieren S, de Roda-Husman AM, van Passel M, Roest HJ, van der Giessen J. Environmental surveillance during an outbreak of tularaemia in hares, the Netherlands, 2015. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 22:30607. [PMID: 28877846 PMCID: PMC5587900 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2017.22.35.30607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Tularaemia, a disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, is a re-emerging zoonosis in the Netherlands. After sporadic human and hare cases occurred in the period 2011 to 2014, a cluster of F. tularensis-infected hares was recognised in a region in the north of the Netherlands from February to May 2015. No human cases were identified, including after active case finding. Presence of F. tularensis was investigated in potential reservoirs and transmission routes, including common voles, arthropod vectors and surface waters. F. tularensis was not detected in common voles, mosquito larvae or adults, tabanids or ticks. However, the bacterium was detected in water and sediment samples collected in a limited geographical area where infected hares had also been found. These results demonstrate that water monitoring could provide valuable information regarding F. tularensis spread and persistence, and should be used in addition to disease surveillance in wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingmar Janse
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,These authors share first authorship
| | - Miriam Maas
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,These authors share first authorship
| | - Jolianne M Rijks
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Miriam Koene
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Rozemarijn Qj van der Plaats
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Marc Engelsma
- Department of Diagnostics and Crisis Organisation, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Peter van der Tas
- GGD Fryslân, Regional Public Health Service of Friesland, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
| | - Marieta Braks
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Arjan Stroo
- Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Daan W Notermans
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike C de Vries
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Frans Reubsaet
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Ewout Fanoy
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,GGD Utrecht, Regional Public Health Service of Utrecht, Zeist, the Netherlands
| | - Corien Swaan
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Marja Jl Kik
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jooske IJzer
- Dutch Wildlife Health Centre, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ryanne I Jaarsma
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Sip van Wieren
- Resource Ecology Group, Department of Environmental Science, Wageningen University and Research Centre, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ana Maria de Roda-Husman
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Mark van Passel
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrik-Jan Roest
- Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Joke van der Giessen
- Centre for Infectious Disease Control (CIb), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.,Department of Bacteriology and Epidemiology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research (WBVR), Lelystad, the Netherlands
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A Single Mechanosensitive Channel Protects Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica from Hypoosmotic Shock and Promotes Survival in the Aquatic Environment. Appl Environ Microbiol 2018; 84:AEM.02203-17. [PMID: 29269496 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02203-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica is found in North America and much of Europe and causes the disease tularemia in humans and animals. An aquatic cycle has been described for this subspecies, which has caused waterborne outbreaks of tularemia in at least 10 countries. In this study, we sought to identify the mechanosensitive channel(s) required for the bacterium to survive the transition from mammalian hosts to freshwater, which is likely essential for the transmission of the bacterium between susceptible hosts. A single 165-amino-acid MscS-type mechanosensitive channel (FtMscS) was found to protect F. tularensis subsp. holarctica from hypoosmotic shock, despite lacking much of the cytoplasmic vestibule domain found in well-characterized MscS proteins from other organisms. The deletion of this channel did not affect virulence within the mammalian host; however, FtMscS was required to survive the transition from the host niche to freshwater. The deletion of FtMscS did not alter the sensitivity of F. tularensis subsp. holarctica to detergents, H2O2, or antibiotics, suggesting that the role of FtMscS is specific to protection from hypoosmotic shock. The deletion of FtMscS also led to a reduced average cell size without altering gross cell morphology. The mechanosensitive channel identified and characterized in this study likely contributes to the transmission of tularemia between hosts by allowing the bacterium to survive the transition from mammalian hosts to freshwater.IMPORTANCE The contamination of freshwater by Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica has resulted in a number of outbreaks of tularemia. Invariably, the contamination originates from the carcasses or excreta of infected animals and thus involves an abrupt osmotic downshock as the bacteria enter freshwater. How F. tularensis survives this drastic change in osmolarity has not been clear, but here we report that a single mechanosensitive channel protects the bacterium from osmotic downshock. This channel is functional despite lacking much of the cytoplasmic vestibule domain that is present in better-studied organisms such as Escherichia coli; this report builds on previous studies that have suggested that parts of this domain are dispensable for downshock protection. These findings extend our understanding of the aquatic cycle and ecological persistence of F. tularensis, with further implications for mechanosensitive channel biology.
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Kenney A, Cusick A, Payne J, Gaughenbaugh A, Renshaw A, Wright J, Seeber R, Barnes R, Florjanczyk A, Horzempa J. The potential for flower nectar to allow mosquito to mosquito transmission of Francisella tularensis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175157. [PMID: 28486521 PMCID: PMC5423603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is disseminated in nature by biting arthropods such as mosquitoes. The relationship between mosquitoes and F. tularensis in nature is highly ambiguous, due in part to the fact that mosquitoes have caused significant tularemia outbreaks despite being classified as a mechanical vector of F. tularensis. One possible explanation for mosquitoes being a prominent, yet mechanical vector is that these insects feed on flower nectar between blood meals, allowing for transmission of F. tularensis between mosquitoes. Here, we aimed to assess whether F. tularensis could survive in flower nectar. Moreover, we examined if mosquitoes could interact with or ingest and transmit F. tularensis from one source of nectar to another. F. tularensis exhibited robust survivability in flower nectar with concentrations of viable bacteria remaining consistent with the rich growth medium. Furthermore, F. tularensis was able to survive (albeit to a lesser extent) in 30% sucrose (a nectar surrogate) over a period of time consistent with that of a typical flower bloom. Although we observed diminished bacterial survival in the nectar surrogate, mosquitoes that fed on this material became colonized with F. tularensis. Finally, colonized mosquitoes were capable of transferring F. tularensis to a sterile nectar surrogate. These data suggest that flower nectar may be capable of serving as a temporary source of F. tularensis that could contribute to the amplification of outbreaks. Mosquitoes that feed on an infected mammalian host and subsequently feed on flower nectar could deposit some F. tularensis bacteria into the nectar in the process. Mosquitoes subsequently feeding on this nectar source could potentially become colonized by F. tularensis. Thus, the possibility exists that flower nectar may allow for vector-vector transmission of F. tularensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Kenney
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Austin Cusick
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jessica Payne
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Anna Gaughenbaugh
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Andrea Renshaw
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jenna Wright
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Roger Seeber
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Barnes
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Aleksandr Florjanczyk
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Joseph Horzempa
- Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, West Liberty University, West Liberty, West Virginia, United States of America
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Kaushal A, Gupta K, Shah R, van Hoek ML. Antimicrobial activity of mosquito cecropin peptides against Francisella. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 63:171-180. [PMID: 27235883 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is the cause of the zoonotic disease tularemia. In Sweden and Scandinavia, epidemiological studies have implicated mosquitoes as a vector. Prior research has demonstrated the presence of Francisella DNA in infected mosquitoes but has not shown definitive transmission of tularemia from a mosquito to a mammalian host. We hypothesized that antimicrobial peptides, an important component of the innate immune system of higher organisms, may play a role in mosquito host-defense to Francisella. We established that Francisella sp. are susceptible to two cecropin antimicrobial peptides derived from the mosquito Aedes albopictus as well as Culex pipiens. We also demonstrated induced expression of Aedes albopictus antimicrobial peptide genes by Francisella infection C6/36 mosquito cell line. We demonstrate that mosquito antimicrobial peptides act against Francisella by disrupting the cellular membrane of the bacteria. Thus, it is possible that antimicrobial peptides may play a role in the inability of mosquitoes to establish an effective natural transmission of tularemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Kaushal
- Department of Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Kajal Gupta
- College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Ruhee Shah
- Thomas Jefferson School of Science and Technology, Alexandria, VA, USA
| | - Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA; National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA.
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Duzlu O, Yildirim A, Inci A, Gumussoy KS, Ciloglu A, Onder Z. Molecular Investigation ofFrancisella-Like Endosymbiont in Ticks andFrancisella tularensisin Ixodid Ticks and Mosquitoes in Turkey. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2016; 16:26-32. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2015.1818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Onder Duzlu
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Alparslan Yildirim
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Inci
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Kadir Semih Gumussoy
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Arif Ciloglu
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases Implementation and Research Center, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Zuhal Onder
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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The Divergent Intracellular Lifestyle of Francisella tularensis in Evolutionarily Distinct Host Cells. PLoS Pathog 2015; 11:e1005208. [PMID: 26633893 PMCID: PMC4669081 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
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Melaun C, Zotzmann S, Santaella VG, Werblow A, Zumkowski-Xylander H, Kraiczy P, Klimpel S. Occurrence of Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in different genera of mosquitoes (Culicidae) in Central Europe. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 7:256-63. [PMID: 26631488 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Lyme disease or Lyme borreliosis is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. Some stages of the borrelial transmission cycle in ticks (transstadial, feeding and co-feeding) can potentially occur also in insects, particularly in mosquitoes. In the present study, adult as well as larval mosquitoes were collected at 42 different geographical locations throughout Germany. This is the first study, in which German mosquitoes were analyzed for the presence of Borrelia spp. Targeting two specific borrelial genes, flaB and ospA encoding for the subunit B of flagellin and the outer surface protein A, the results show that DNA of Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia bavariensis and Borrelia garinii could be detected in ten Culicidae species comprising four distinct genera (Aedes, Culiseta, Culex, and Ochlerotatus). Positive samples also include adult specimens raised in the laboratory from wild-caught larvae indicating that transstadial and/or transovarial transmission might occur within a given mosquito population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Melaun
- Goethe-University, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sina Zotzmann
- Goethe-University, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Vanesa Garcia Santaella
- Goethe-University, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Antje Werblow
- Goethe-University, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Peter Kraiczy
- University Hospital of Frankfurt, Institute of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sven Klimpel
- Goethe-University, Institute for Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Bäckman S, Näslund J, Forsman M, Thelaus J. Transmission of tularemia from a water source by transstadial maintenance in a mosquito vector. Sci Rep 2015; 5:7793. [PMID: 25609657 PMCID: PMC4302321 DOI: 10.1038/srep07793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are thought to function as mechanical vectors of Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica (F. t. holarctica) causing tularemia in humans. We investigated the clinical relevance of transstadially maintained F. t. holarctica in mosquitoes. Aedes egypti larvae exposed to a fully virulent F. t. holarctica strain for 24 hours, were allowed to develop into adults when they were individually homogenized. Approximately 24% of the homogenates tested positive for F. t. DNA in PCR. Mice injected with the mosquito homogenates acquired tularemia within 5 days. This novel finding demonstrates the possibility of transmission of bacteria by adult mosquitoes having acquired the pathogen from their aquatic larval habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stina Bäckman
- The Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI Division of CBRN Defence and Security SE- 901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jonas Näslund
- The Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI Division of CBRN Defence and Security SE- 901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mats Forsman
- The Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI Division of CBRN Defence and Security SE- 901 82 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Johanna Thelaus
- The Swedish Defence Research Agency, FOI Division of CBRN Defence and Security SE- 901 82 Umeå, Sweden
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Abstract
Tularemia is a contagious infectious disease due to Francisiella tularensis that can cause serious clinical manifestations and significant mortality if untreated. Although the frequency and significance of the disease has diminished over the last decades in Central Europe, over the past few years, there is new evidence suggesting that tularemia has re-emerged worldwide. To know the real epidemiology of the disease is at the root of correct control measures. In order to evaluate whether tularemia is re-emerging in Italy, data on mortality and morbidity (obtained by the National Institute of Statistics; ISTAT), Italian cases described in the scientific literature and data concerning hospitalizations for tularemia (obtained by the National Hospital Discharge Database) were analysed. From 1979 to 2010, ISTAT reported 474 cases and no deaths. The overall number of cases obtained from the literature review was at least 31% higher than that reported by ISTAT. Moreover, the number of cases reported by ISTAT was 3·5 times smaller than hospitalized cases. In Italy tularemia is sporadic, rarely endemic and self-limiting; but, although the trend of reported tularemia does not support the hypothesis of a re-emerging disease, the study demonstrates a wide underreporting of the disease. The real frequency of the disease should be carefully investigated and taken into account in order to implement specific prevention measures.
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Ulu-Kilic A, Doganay M. An overview: tularemia and travel medicine. Travel Med Infect Dis 2014; 12:609-16. [PMID: 25457302 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Tularemia is a bacterial zoonotic infection. The disease is endemic in most parts of the world, has been reported through the northern hemisphere between 30 and 71° N latitude. Francisella tularensis causes infection in a wide range of vertebrates (rodents, lagomorphs) and invertebrates (ticks, mosquitoes and other arthropods). Humans can acquire this infection through several routes including; a bite from an infected tick, deerfly or mosquito, contact with an infected animal or its dead body. It can also be spread to human by drinking contaminated water or breathing contaminated dirt or aerosol. Clinical manifestation of this disease varies depending on the biotype, inoculum and port of entry. Infection is potentially life threatening, but can effectively be treated with antibiotics. Travelers visiting rural and agricultural areas in endemic countries may be at greater risk. Appropriate clothing and use of insect repellants is essential to prevent tick borne illness. Travelers also should be aware of food and waterborne disease; avoid consuming potentially contaminated water and uncooked meat. Physicians should be aware of any clinical presentation of tularemia in the patients returning from endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysegul Ulu-Kilic
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Doganay
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey; Zoonoses Working Group of International Society of Chemotherapy (ZWG-ISC), United Kingdom.
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Rossow H, Forbes KM, Tarkka E, Kinnunen PM, Hemmilä H, Huitu O, Nikkari S, Henttonen H, Kipar A, Vapalahti O. Experimental Infection of voles with Francisella tularensis indicates their amplification role in tularemia outbreaks. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108864. [PMID: 25271640 PMCID: PMC4182746 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia outbreaks in humans have been linked to fluctuations in rodent population density, but the mode of bacterial maintenance in nature is unclear. Here we report on an experiment to investigate the pathogenesis of Francisella tularensis infection in wild rodents, and thereby assess their potential to spread the bacterium. We infected 20 field voles (Microtus agrestis) and 12 bank voles (Myodes glareolus) with a strain of F. tularensis ssp. holarctica isolated from a human patient. Upon euthanasia or death, voles were necropsied and specimens collected for histological assessment and identification of bacteria by immunohistology and PCR. Bacterial excretion and a rapid lethal clinical course with pathological changes consistent with bacteremia and tissue necrosis were observed in infected animals. The results support a role for voles as an amplification host of F. tularensis, as excreta and, in particular, carcasses with high bacterial burden could serve as a source for environmental contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Rossow
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristian M. Forbes
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
- Finnish Forest Research Institute, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Eveliina Tarkka
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Helsinki University Hospital Laboratory (HUSLAB), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paula M. Kinnunen
- Centre for Biothreat Preparedness, Centre for Military Medicine, Finnish Defence Forces, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heidi Hemmilä
- Centre for Biothreat Preparedness, Centre for Military Medicine, Finnish Defence Forces, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Otso Huitu
- Finnish Forest Research Institute, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Simo Nikkari
- Centre for Biothreat Preparedness, Centre for Military Medicine, Finnish Defence Forces, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Anja Kipar
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Finnish Centre for Laboratory Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- School of Veterinary Science and Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Helsinki University Hospital Laboratory (HUSLAB), Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract
The bacterium Francisella tularensis causes the vector-borne zoonotic disease tularemia, and may infect a wide range of hosts including invertebrates, mammals and birds. Transmission to humans occurs through contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, or through arthropod vectors. Tularemia has a broad geographical distribution, and there is evidence which suggests local emergence or re-emergence of this disease in Europe. This review was developed to provide an update on the geographical distribution of F. tularensis in humans, wildlife, domestic animals and vector species, to identify potential public health hazards, and to characterize the epidemiology of tularemia in Europe. Information was collated on cases in humans, domestic animals and wildlife, and on reports of detection of the bacterium in arthropod vectors, from 38 European countries for the period 1992-2012. Multiple international databases on human and animal health were consulted, as well as published reports in the literature. Tularemia is a disease of complex epidemiology that is challenging to understand and therefore to control. Many aspects of this disease remain poorly understood. Better understanding is needed of the epidemiological role of animal hosts, potential vectors, mechanisms of maintenance in the different ecosystems, and routes of transmission of the disease.
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Carvalho CL, Lopes de Carvalho I, Zé-Zé L, Núncio MS, Duarte EL. Tularaemia: a challenging zoonosis. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2014; 37:85-96. [PMID: 24480622 PMCID: PMC7124367 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2014.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 12/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, several emerging zoonotic vector-borne infections with potential impact on human health have been identified in Europe, including tularaemia, caused by Francisella tularensis. This remarkable pathogen, one of the most virulent microorganisms currently known, has been detected in increasingly new settings and in a wide range of wild species, including lagomorphs, rodents, carnivores, fish and invertebrate arthropods. Also, a renewed concern has arisen with regard to F. tularensis: its potential use by bioterrorists. Based on the information published concerning the latest outbreaks, the aim of this paper is to review the main features of the agent, its biology, immunology and epidemiology. Moreover, special focus will be given to zoonotic aspects of the disease, as tularaemia outbreaks in human populations have been frequently associated with disease in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Carvalho
- Institute of Mediterranean Agricultural and Environmental Science (ICAAM), School of Science and Technology ECT, University of Évora, Portugal; Centre for Vectors and Infectious Diseases Research, National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - I Lopes de Carvalho
- Emergency Response and Bio-preparedness Unit, National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - L Zé-Zé
- Centre for Vectors and Infectious Diseases Research, National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - M S Núncio
- Centre for Vectors and Infectious Diseases Research, National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - E L Duarte
- Institute of Mediterranean Agricultural and Environmental Science (ICAAM), School of Science and Technology ECT, University of Évora, Portugal.
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Rossow H, Sissonen S, Koskela KA, Kinnunen PM, Hemmilä H, Niemimaa J, Huitu O, Kuusi M, Vapalahti O, Henttonen H, Nikkari S. Detection of Francisella tularensis in voles in Finland. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2014; 14:193-8. [PMID: 24575824 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2012.1255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a highly virulent intracellular bacterium causing the zoonotic disease tularemia. It recurrently causes human and animal outbreaks in northern Europe, including Finland. Although F. tularensis infects several mammal species, only rodents and lagomorphs seem to have importance in its ecology. Peak densities of rodent populations may trigger tularemia outbreaks in humans; however, it is still unclear to which extent rodents or other small mammals maintain F. tularensis in nature. The main objective of this study was to obtain information about the occurrence of F. tularensis in small mammals in Finland. We snap-trapped 547 wild small mammals representing 11 species at 14 locations around Finland during 6 years and screened them for the presence of F. tularensis DNA using PCR analysis. High copy number of F. tularensis-specific DNA was detected in tissue samples of five field voles (Microtus agrestis) originating from one location and 2 years. According to DNA sequences of the bacterial 23S ribosomal RNA gene amplified from F. tularensis-infected voles, the infecting agent belongs to the subspecies holarctica. To find out the optimal tissue for tularemia screening in voles, we compared the amounts of F. tularensis DNA in lungs, liver, spleen, and kidney of the infected animals. F. tularensis DNA was detectable in high levels in all four organs except for one animal, whose kidney was F. tularensis DNA-negative. Thus, at least liver, lung, and spleen seem suitable for F. tularensis screening in voles. Thus, liver, lung, and spleen all seem suitable for F. tularensis screening in voles. In conclusion, field voles can be heavily infected with F. tularensis subsp. holarctica and thus potentially serve as the source of infection in humans and other mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Rossow
- 1 Department of Veterinary Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki , Helsinki, Finland
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Thelaus J, Andersson A, Broman T, Bäckman S, Granberg M, Karlsson L, Kuoppa K, Larsson E, Lundmark E, Lundström JO, Mathisen P, Näslund J, Schäfer M, Wahab T, Forsman M. Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica occurs in Swedish mosquitoes, persists through the developmental stages of laboratory-infected mosquitoes and is transmissible during blood feeding. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2014; 67:96-107. [PMID: 24057273 PMCID: PMC3907667 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-013-0285-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
In Sweden, mosquitoes are considered the major vectors of the bacterium Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica, which causes tularaemia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether mosquitoes acquire the bacterium as aquatic larvae and transmit the disease as adults. Mosquitoes sampled in a Swedish area where tularaemia is endemic (Örebro) were positive for the presence of F. tularensis deoxyribonucleic acid throughout the summer. Presence of the clinically relevant F. tularensis subsp. holarctica was confirmed in 11 out of the 14 mosquito species sampled. Experiments performed using laboratory-reared Aedes aegypti confirmed that F. tularensis subsp. holarctica was transstadially maintained from orally infected larvae to adult mosquitoes and that 25% of the adults exposed as larvae were positive for the presence of F. tularensis-specific sequences for at least 2 weeks. In addition, we found that F. tularensis subsp. holarctica was transmitted to 58% of the adult mosquitoes feeding on diseased mice. In a small-scale in vivo transmission experiment with F. tularensis subsp. holarctica-positive adult mosquitoes and susceptible mice, none of the animals developed tularaemia. However, we confirmed that there was transmission of the bacterium to blood vials by mosquitoes that had been exposed to the bacterium in the larval stage. Taken together, these results provide evidence that mosquitoes play a role in disease transmission in part of Sweden where tularaemia recurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Thelaus
- Division of CBRN Defence and Security, Swedish Defence Research Agency, 90182, Umea, Sweden,
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Engdahl C, Larsson P, Näslund J, Bravo M, Evander M, Lundström JO, Ahlm C, Bucht G. Identification of Swedish mosquitoes based on molecular barcoding of the COI gene and SNP analysis. Mol Ecol Resour 2013; 14:478-88. [PMID: 24215491 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.12202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Revised: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne infectious diseases are emerging in many regions of the world. Consequently, surveillance of mosquitoes and concomitant infectious agents is of great importance for prediction and prevention of mosquito-borne infectious diseases. Currently, morphological identification of mosquitoes is the traditional procedure. However, sequencing of specified genes or standard genomic regions, DNA barcoding, has recently been suggested as a global standard for identification and classification of many different species. Our aim was to develop a genetic method to identify mosquitoes and to study their relationship. Mosquitoes were captured at collection sites in northern Sweden and identified morphologically before the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences of 14 of the most common mosquito species were determined. The sequences obtained were then used for phylogenetic placement, for validation and benchmarking of phenetic classifications and finally to develop a hierarchical PCR-based typing scheme based on single nucleotide polymorphism sites (SNPs) to enable rapid genetic identification, circumventing the need for morphological characterization. The results showed that exact phylogenetic relationships between mosquito taxa were preserved at shorter evolutionary distances, but at deeper levels, they could not be inferred with confidence using COI gene sequence data alone. Fourteen of the most common mosquito species in Sweden were identified by the SNP/PCR-based typing scheme, demonstrating that genetic typing using SNPs of the COI gene is a useful method for identification of mosquitoes with potential for worldwide application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Engdahl
- Swedish Defense Research Agency, CBRN Defense and Security, Umeå, SE-901 82, Sweden; Department of Clinical Microbiology, Virology, Umeå University, Umeå, SE-901 85, Sweden; Department of Clinical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, Umeå University, Umeå, SE-901 85, Sweden
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Risk factors for pneumonic and ulceroglandular tularaemia in Finland: a population-based case-control study. Epidemiol Infect 2013; 142:2207-16. [PMID: 24289963 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268813002999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Few population-based data are available on factors associated with pneumonic and ulceroglandular type B tularaemia. We conducted a case-control study during a large epidemic in 2000. Laboratory-confirmed case patients were identified through active surveillance and matched control subjects (age, sex, residency) from the national population information system. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A conditional logistic regression model addressing missing data with Bayesian full-likelihood modelling included 227 case patients and 415 control subjects; reported mosquito bites [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 9·2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4·4-22, population-attributable risk (PAR) 82%] and farming activities (aOR 4·3, 95% CI 2·5-7·2, PAR 32%) were independently associated with ulceroglandular tularaemia, whereas exposure to hay dust (aOR 6·6, 95% CI 1·9-25·4, PAR 48%) was associated with pneumonic tularaemia. Although the bulk of tularaemia type B disease burden is attributable to mosquito bites, risk factors for ulceroglandular and pneumonic forms of tularaemia are different, enabling targeting of prevention efforts accordingly.
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Halvarsson P, Hesson JC, Lundström JO. Six polymorphic microsatellites in the flood-water mosquito Aedes sticticus. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2013; 38:404-407. [PMID: 24581372 DOI: 10.1111/j.1948-7134.2013.12057.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Halvarsson
- Department of Ecology and Genetics, Animal Ecology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, SE-752 36, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Abstract
Our understanding of the virulence and pathogenesis of Francisella spp. has significantly advanced in recent years, including a new understanding that this organism can form biofilms. What is known so far about Francisella spp. biofilms is summarized here and future research questions are suggested. The molecular basis of biofilm production has begun to be studied, especially the role of extracellular carbohydrates and capsule, quorum sensing and two-component signaling systems. Further work has explored the contribution of amoebae, pili, outer-membrane vesicles, chitinases, and small molecules such as c-di-GMP to Francisella spp. biofilm formation. A role for Francisella spp. biofilm in feeding mosquito larvae has been suggested. As no strong role in virulence has been found yet, Francisella spp. biofilm formation is most likely a key mechanism for environmental survival and persistence. The significance and importance of Francisella spp.’s biofilm phenotype as a critical aspect of its microbial physiology is being developed. Areas for further studies include the potential role of Francisella spp. biofilms in the infection of mammalian hosts and virulence regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology and National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases; George Mason University; Manassas, VA USA
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Chavshin AR, Oshaghi MA, Vatandoost H, Yakhchali B, Raeisi A, Zarenejad F. Escherichia coli expressing a green fluorescent protein (GFP) in Anopheles stephensi: a preliminary model for paratransgenesis. Symbiosis 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s13199-013-0231-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Hueffer K, Parkinson AJ, Gerlach R, Berner J. Zoonotic infections in Alaska: disease prevalence, potential impact of climate change and recommended actions for earlier disease detection, research, prevention and control. Int J Circumpolar Health 2013; 72:19562. [PMID: 23399790 PMCID: PMC3568173 DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v72i0.19562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Revised: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last 60 years, Alaska's mean annual temperature has increased by 1.6°C, more than twice the rate of the rest of the United States. As a result, climate change impacts are more pronounced here than in other regions of the United States. Warmer temperatures may allow some infected host animals to survive winters in larger numbers, increase their population and expand their range of habitation thus increasing the opportunity for transmission of infection to humans. Subsistence hunting and gathering activities may place rural residents of Alaska at a greater risk of acquiring zoonotic infections than urban residents. Known zoonotic diseases that occur in Alaska include brucellosis, toxoplasmosis, trichinellosis, giardiasis/cryptosporidiosis, echinococcosis, rabies and tularemia. Actions for early disease detection, research and prevention and control include: (1) determining baseline levels of infection and disease in both humans and host animals; (2) conducting more research to understand the ecology of infection in the Arctic environment; (3) improving active and passive surveillance systems for infection and disease in humans and animals; (4) improving outreach, education and communication on climate-sensitive infectious diseases at the community, health and animal care provider levels; and (5) improving coordination between public health and animal health agencies, universities and tribal health organisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Hueffer
- Department of Biology and Wildlife, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Alan J. Parkinson
- Arctic Investigations Program, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Robert Gerlach
- Office of the State Veterinarian, Alaska Division of Environmental Health, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - James Berner
- Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
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Vonkavaara M, Pavel STI, Hölzl K, Nordfelth R, Sjöstedt A, Stöven S. Francisella is sensitive to insect antimicrobial peptides. J Innate Immun 2012; 5:50-9. [PMID: 23037919 DOI: 10.1159/000342468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis causes the zoonotic disease tularemia. Arthropod vectors are important transmission routes for the disease, although it is not known how Francisella survives the efficient arthropod immune response. Here, we used Drosophila melanogaster as a model host for Francisella infections and investigated whether the bacteria are resistant to insect humoral immune responses, in particular to the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) secreted into the insect hemolymph. Moreover, we asked to what extent such resistance might depend on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structure and surface characteristics of the bacteria. We analyzed Francisella novicida mutant strains in genes, directly or indirectly involved in specific steps of LPS biosynthesis, for virulence in wild-type and Relish(E20) immune-deficient flies, and tested selected mutants for sensitivity to AMPs in vitro. We demonstrate that Francisella is sensitive to specific fly AMPs, i.e. Attacin, Cecropin, Drosocin and Drosomycin. Furthermore, six bacterial genes, kpsF, manB, lpxF, slt, tolA and pal, were found to be required for resistance to Relish-dependent immune responses, illustrating the importance of structural details of Francisella lipid A and Kdo core for interactions with AMPs. Interestingly, a more negative surface charge and lack of O-antigen did not render mutant bacteria more sensitive to cationic AMPs and did not attenuate virulence in flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malin Vonkavaara
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Francisella tularensis RipA protein topology and identification of functional domains. J Bacteriol 2012; 194:1474-84. [PMID: 22267515 DOI: 10.1128/jb.06327-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is a Gram-negative coccobacillus and is the etiological agent of the disease tularemia. Expression of the cytoplasmic membrane protein RipA is required for Francisella replication within macrophages and other cell types; however, the function of this protein remains unknown. RipA is conserved among all sequenced Francisella species, and RipA-like proteins are present in a number of individual strains of a wide variety of species scattered throughout the prokaryotic kingdom. Cross-linking studies revealed that RipA forms homoligomers. Using a panel of RipA-green fluorescent protein and RipA-PhoA fusion constructs, we determined that RipA has a unique topology within the cytoplasmic membrane, with the N and C termini in the cytoplasm and periplasm, respectively. RipA has two significant cytoplasmic domains, one composed roughly of amino acids 1 to 50 and the second flanked by the second and third transmembrane domains and comprising amino acids 104 to 152. RipA functional domains were identified by measuring the effects of deletion mutations, amino acid substitution mutations, and spontaneously arising intragenic suppressor mutations on intracellular replication, induction of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) secretion by infected macrophages, and oligomer formation. Results from these experiments demonstrated that each of the cytoplasmic domains and specific amino acids within these domains are required for RipA function.
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Rydén P, Björk R, Schäfer ML, Lundström JO, Petersén B, Lindblom A, Forsman M, Sjöstedt A, Johansson A. Outbreaks of tularemia in a boreal forest region depends on mosquito prevalence. J Infect Dis 2011; 205:297-304. [PMID: 22124130 PMCID: PMC3244368 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jir732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. We aimed to evaluate the potential association of mosquito prevalence in a boreal forest area with transmission of the bacterial disease tularemia to humans, and model the annual variation of disease using local weather data. Methods. A prediction model for mosquito abundance was built using weather and mosquito catch data. Then a negative binomial regression model based on the predicted mosquito abundance and local weather data was built to predict annual numbers of humans contracting tularemia in Dalarna County, Sweden. Results. Three hundred seventy humans were diagnosed with tularemia between 1981 and 2007, 94% of them during 7 summer outbreaks. Disease transmission was concentrated along rivers in the area. The predicted mosquito abundance was correlated (0.41, P < .05) with the annual number of human cases. The predicted mosquito peaks consistently preceded the median onset time of human tularemia (temporal correlation, 0.76; P < .05). Our final predictive model included 5 environmental variables and identified 6 of the 7 outbreaks. Conclusions. This work suggests that a high prevalence of mosquitoes in late summer is a prerequisite for outbreaks of tularemia in a tularemia-endemic boreal forest area of Sweden and that environmental variables can be used as risk indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Rydén
- Department of Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics, Computational Life Science Cluster, Umeå University, Sweden
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Hansen CM, Vogler AJ, Keim P, Wagner DM, Hueffer K. Tularemia in Alaska, 1938 - 2010. Acta Vet Scand 2011; 53:61. [PMID: 22099502 PMCID: PMC3231942 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-53-61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Tularemia is a serious, potentially life threatening zoonotic disease. The causative agent, Francisella tularensis, is ubiquitous in the Northern hemisphere, including Alaska, where it was first isolated from a rabbit tick (Haemophysalis leporis-palustris) in 1938. Since then, F. tularensis has been isolated from wildlife and humans throughout the state. Serologic surveys have found measurable antibodies with prevalence ranging from < 1% to 50% and 4% to 18% for selected populations of wildlife species and humans, respectively. We reviewed and summarized known literature on tularemia surveillance in Alaska and summarized the epidemiological information on human cases reported to public health officials. Additionally, available F. tularensis isolates from Alaska were analyzed using canonical SNPs and a multi-locus variable-number tandem repeats (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) system. The results show that both F. t. tularensis and F. t. holarctica are present in Alaska and that subtype A.I, the most virulent type, is responsible for most recently reported human clinical cases in the state.
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Mahajan UV, Gravgaard J, Turnbull M, Jacobs DB, McNealy TL. Larval exposure to Francisella tularensis LVS affects fitness of the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2011; 78:520-30. [PMID: 22066999 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6941.2011.01182.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2011] [Revised: 07/24/2011] [Accepted: 08/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis is an environmental bacterium capable of infecting a wide spectrum of species from mammals and birds to reptiles. It has been demonstrated that F. tularensis can invade and survive within protozoa, but an association with aquatic insects has not been thoroughly investigated. We examined the interaction of F. tularensis LVS biofilms and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae to determine the effects on larvae and adults. Our results demonstrate that F. tularensis LVS can form and persist as biofilms in natural water and that the mosquito larvae of C. quinquefasciatus readily feed on biofilm and planktonic forms of F. tularensis LVS. Larvae raised in both bacteria-only cultures suffered significant delays in pupation. Adults resulting from larvae continuously exposed to the bacteria had significantly reduced wing lengths in males and fecundity of both sexes. The bacteria may be exerting these effects through localization and persistence within the midgut and Malpighian tubule cells of the larvae. The study of oral acquisition of pathogens by insect larvae can significantly contribute to the study of environmental persistence of pathogens. We show that oral uptake of F. tularensis LVS by C. quinquefasciatus larvae results in not only larval effects but also has effects on adult mosquitoes. These effects are important in understanding both the ecology of tularemia as well as bacterial interactions with aquatic invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uma V Mahajan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA
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