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Detailed morphological structure and phylogenetic relationships of Degeeriella punctifer (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae), a parasite of the bearded vulture Gypaetus barbatus (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae). Sci Rep 2023; 13:512. [PMID: 36627350 PMCID: PMC9832001 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27774-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Habitat loss is one of the main threats to species survival and, in the case of parasites, it is their hosts that provide their habitat. Therefore, extinction even at local scale of host taxa also implies the extinction of their parasites in a process known as co-extinction. This is the case of the bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), which almost became extinct at the beginning of the twentieth century. After several attempts, this species was successfully reintroduced into the Alps at the end of the twentieth century. We collected 25 lice specimens from an electrocuted bearded vulture from Susa (Italian Alps) that were morphologically identified as Degeeriella punctifer. Six individuals were studied by scanning electron microscopy, with particular emphasis on their cephalic sensorial structures, while four further specimens were characterized at molecular level by amplifying partial regions of the 12SrRNA, COX1 and elongation factor 1 alpha (EF-1) genes. From a morphological perspective, the number, type and arrangement of the sensillae on the two distal antennal segments is quite similar to that of other species of the family Philopteridae (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera). The mandibles and tarsal claws allow lice to cling firmly to their host's feathers. Phylogenetic analyses help unravel the paraphyletic nature of the genus Degeeriella and demonstrate the clear differentiation between lice parasitizing Accipitriformes and Falconiformes, as well as the close relationship between D. punctifer, D. fulva, D. nisus and Capraiella sp. that, along with other genera, parasitize rollers (Aves: Coraciiformes).
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Chemical Communication of the Head Lice with the Human Host. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00279-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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ten Bosch L, Habedank B, Candeo A, Bassi A, Valentini G, Gerhard C. Light sheet fluorescence microscopy for the investigation of blood-sucking arthropods dyed via artificial membrane feeding. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:52. [PMID: 35151358 PMCID: PMC8841056 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05157-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical methods to control pest arthropods are increasing in importance, but detailed knowledge of the effects of some of these methods on the target organisms is lacking. The aim of this study was to use light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) in anatomical studies of blood-sucking arthropods in vivo to assess the suitability of this method to investigate the morphological structures of arthropods and changes in these structures over time, using the human louse Pediculus humanus (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) as sample organism. Plasma treatment was used as an example of a procedure employed to control arthropods. The lice were prepared using an artificial membrane feeding method involving the ingestion of human blood alone and human blood with an added fluorescent dye in vitro. It was shown that such staining leads to a notable enhancement of the imaging contrast with respect to unstained whole lice and internal organs that can normally not be viewed by transmission microscopy but which become visible by this approach. Some lice were subjected to plasma treatment to inflict damage to the organisms, which were then compared to untreated lice. Using LSFM, a change in morphology due to plasma treatment was observed. These results demonstrate that fluorescence staining coupled with LSFM represents a powerful and straightforward method enabling the investigation of the morphology—including anatomy—of blood-sucking lice and other arthropods.
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Ortega-Insaurralde I, Barrozo RB. The closer the better: Sensory tools and host-association in blood-sucking insects. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 136:104346. [PMID: 34896372 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Many hematophagous insects acquire medical and veterinary relevance because they transmit disease causing pathogens to humans. Hematophagy is only fulfilled once a blood feeder successfully locates a vertebrate host by means of fine sensory systems. In nature, blood-sucking insects can exploit environments with differential association with their hosts. Given the relevance of the sensory systems during host searching, we review the current state of knowledge of the sensory machinery of four blood-sucking insects: human lice, bed bugs, kissing bugs and mosquitoes. Each one is representative of highly anthropophilic behaviours and a different degree of association with human hosts. We compare the number, arrangement and functional type of cuticular sensory structures dispersed on the main sensory organs. We also compare the genetic machinery potentially involved in the detection of host stimuli. Finally, we discuss the sensory diversity of the insects studied here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ortega-Insaurralde
- Grupo de Neuroetología de Insectos Vectores, Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, Instituto Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA, UBA-CONICET), Departamento Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Romina B Barrozo
- Grupo de Neuroetología de Insectos Vectores, Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, Instituto Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA, UBA-CONICET), Departamento Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Liébanas G, Sáez Á, Luna Á, Romero-Vidal P, Palma A, Pérez JM. The morphology of Colpocephalum pectinatum (Phthiraptera: Amblycera: Menoponidae) under scanning electron microscopy. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2021; 64:101085. [PMID: 34304104 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2021.101085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Here, we describe under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the morphology of Colpocephalum pectinatum (Phthiraptera, Menoponidae), an ectoparasite found in burrowing owls, Athene cunicularia. We devote particular attention to the morphology of the main structures of the head (antennae and mouth-parts) and legs (tarsi and femoral ctenidia). Moreover, we describe the main peripheral sensory organs, located in the labial palpi and the distal end of antennae. We also detected that the structure of antennae and antennal sensilla arrangement are very similar to that described for other Colpocephalum and Menoponid species, and we discuss the function of each type of sensilla. We suggest that SEM studies combined with other microscopy and physiological techniques could be useful for elucidate the function of each structure, lice behaviour, as well as their taxonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracia Liébanas
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology, and Ecology, Jaén University, Campus Las Lagunillas, S.n., E-23071, Jaén, Spain.
| | - Ángeles Sáez
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology, and Ecology, Jaén University, Campus Las Lagunillas, S.n., E-23071, Jaén, Spain
| | - Álvaro Luna
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, E-28108, Madrid, Spain; Research Department Brutal, Calle Cuna, 16, Primera Planta, 41004 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Pedro Romero-Vidal
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Av. Américo Vespucio, S.n., E-41092, Sevilla, Spain; Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems, Pablo Olavide University, Ctra. de Utrera, Km 1, E-41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Antonio Palma
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Av. Américo Vespucio, S.n., E-41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jesús M Pérez
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology, and Ecology, Jaén University, Campus Las Lagunillas, S.n., E-23071, Jaén, Spain; Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Spain
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Ortega-Insaurralde I, Picollo MI, Barrozo RB. Sensory features of the human louse antenna: new contributions and comparisons between ecotypes. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 35:219-224. [PMID: 33038036 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Body and head lice are known to be exclusive ectoparasites of human hosts. Current genomic and transcriptomic data suggest that both louse types represent ecotypes of the same species. They exhibit morphological and physiological differences that probably arose from living in different biotopes. Sensory traits represent suitable candidates to be affected by environmental heterogeneity. Therefore, through scanning electron microscope studies, this study analysed and compared the sensory structures of both ecotypes' antennae. Seven types of sensory structures were identified in both ecotypes: bristles, tuft organs, pore organs, single pore and three morphotypes of sensilla basiconica. Notably, the single pore and the morphotypes of sensilla basiconica were described for the first time in the body louse antenna. This study's comparative analysis mainly revealed size differences across the sensory structures of the ecotypes. Bristles of the flagellomere 2 of the body louse antenna were longer than the head louse bristles. In addition, the pore organs of the head louse antenna presented a higher diameter than those of the body louse. The possible relevance of size differences regarding the biotopes exploited by the body louse and the head louse is discussed. Yet, physiological studies may help to fully understand the phenotypical differences of both ecotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Ortega-Insaurralde
- Grupo de Neuroetología de Insectos Vectores, Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, Instituto Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA, UBA-CONICET), Departamento Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Buenos Aires, C1428EHA, Argentina
| | - M I Picollo
- Centro de investigaciones de plagas e insecticidas, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo para la Defensa, UNIDEF-CONICET, San Juan Bautista de La Salle 4397, Villa Martelli, Buenos Aires, B1603ALO, Argentina
| | - R B Barrozo
- Grupo de Neuroetología de Insectos Vectores, Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, Instituto Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA, UBA-CONICET), Departamento Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, Buenos Aires, C1428EHA, Argentina
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Ortega-Insaurralde I, Picollo MI, Barrozo RB. Mouthpart sensory structures of the human head louse Pediculus humanus capitis. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2020; 59:100996. [PMID: 33075667 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2020.100996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Head lice are exclusive human parasitic blood-sucking insects. Distributed worldwide among school-age children, this parasitosis generates scalp irritation and sometimes social prejudice. Understanding how head lice detect and perceive their human hosts is crucial to control transmission. Here, we describe the sensory structures present on the mouthparts of Pediculus humanus capitis and their possible contribution to the feeding decision-making process. On the anterior zone of the clypeus around the haustellum two morphological types of sensilla, invariable in location and number, were identified: fourteen short clypeus bristles (SCB) and six long clypeus bristles (LCB). During feeding these structures contact the host skin but not its blood. Located antero-dorsally on the everted haustellum and between the epipharyngeal teeth, a third sensillar type was identified: about four short peg epipharyngeal (SPE) sensilla. These structures are bathed with the incoming blood, when head lice feed, so may have a gustatory role. In behavioural experiments antennectomy of lice did not interfere with feeding behaviour, suggesting that the sensory structures on the mouthparts could be involved in host assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ortega-Insaurralde
- Grupo de Neuroetología de Insectos Vectores, Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, Instituto Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA, UBA-CONICET), Departamento Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Inés Picollo
- Centro de Investigaciones de Plagas e Insecticidas, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo para la Defensa, UNIDEF-CONICET, San Juan Bautista de La Salle 4397, B1603ALO, Villa Martelli, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Romina B Barrozo
- Grupo de Neuroetología de Insectos Vectores, Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, Instituto Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA, UBA-CONICET), Departamento Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Galassi FG, Picollo MI, Gonzalez-Audino P. Head Louse Feces: Chemical Analysis and Behavioral Activity. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:336-342. [PMID: 31652319 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Human head lice Pediculus humanus capitis (De Geer) (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) are insect parasites closely associated with humans, feeding on the blood of their hosts and causing them skin irritation and probable secondary infections. Despite being a severe nuisance, very few studies have reported on intraspecific chemical communication in head lice. Here, we evaluated the attractive response of head lice to the volatile compounds and solvent extracts from their feces. We also chemically analyzed the main volatile components of these feces and those of the feces' extracts. Head lice were attracted to the methanol extract of their feces but not to the hexane or dichloromethane extracts, suggesting the polar nature of bioactive chemicals present in head louse feces. Follow-up chemical identifications, in fact, showed the presence of hypoxanthine, uric acid, and another purine tentatively identified as either guanine or iso-guanine. Additionally, head lice were significantly attracted by volatiles emitted from samples containing feces. The volatiles emanated from feces alone contained 19 identified substances: 2-pentanone, hexanal, heptanal, 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol, octanal, sulcatone, nonanal, acetic acid, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, decanal, 1-octanol, butyric acid, 1-nonanol, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, 2,6-dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol, 2-undecanone, geranylacetone, and hexadecane. The major compounds found were decanal, nonanal, hexanal, and acetic acid, together representing approximately 60% of the identified compounds. This work represents the first chemical evidence of intraspecies communication among head lice. The results support the existence of active substances present in the feces of P. humanus capitis that may be involved in its aggregation behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M I Picollo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Plagas e Insecticidas, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa (UNIDEF-CONICET-CITEDEF) Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - P Gonzalez-Audino
- Centro de Investigaciones en Plagas e Insecticidas, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo Estratégico para la Defensa (UNIDEF-CONICET-CITEDEF) Buenos Aires, Argentina
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