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Chotelersak K, Puttikamonkul S, Samung Y, Chaiphongpachara T, Dujardin JP, Sumruayphol S. Ctenocephalides orientis and Ctenocephalides felis in Thailand: Head geometry by species, sex and geography. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 38:179-188. [PMID: 38296831 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Fleas in the genus Ctenocephalides serve as biological vectors or intermediate hosts of microorganisms such as bacteria, rickettsia, protozoa and helminths. Ctenocephalides felis has a worldwide distribution, while C. orientis has long been considered as a subspecies of C. felis in Asia. To help the morphological recognition of these two species and further explore their differences, we used the geometric morphometric approach applied to the head. Both sexes were examined. Five anatomical landmarks of the head were used, and to capture the curvature of the front head, 10 semilandmarks were added. There was a consistent difference in species classification accuracy when considering landmarks only versus their combination with semilandmarks, suggesting the importance of the curve of the head as a taxonomic signal. Using or not the labels in the reclassification analyses, the head shape allowed by itself almost perfect recognition of the two species, in both sexes, even after adjustment for prior probabilities. The same approach disclosed a high level of sexual size and shape dimorphism in both species. The contribution of size variation to the discrimination by shape was much more important between sexes (from 27% to 45%) than between species (from 0.7% to 7.1%). Nevertheless, in our data, size never could represent a way to reliably recognise the sex of an individual, even less its species. Geographical variation in head shape could only be explored for the C. orientis sample. No significant correlation of morphometric variation with geography could be detected, which would be consistent with gene flow between Thai provinces. The geometric morphometric approach of the flea head, when it incorporates head curves, is a promising tool for rapid, economical, and accurate species and sex identification. It is, therefore, a useful tool for future epidemiological and demographic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kruawan Chotelersak
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Srisombat Puttikamonkul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yudthana Samung
- Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tanawat Chaiphongpachara
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram, Thailand
| | | | - Suchada Sumruayphol
- Department of Medical Entomology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Guo W, Zhu W, Jia L, Tao Y. Unique microbial communities of parasitic fleas on wild animals from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:40916-40924. [PMID: 38834927 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33885-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Fleas, one of the most significant ectoparasites, play a crucial role as vectors in spreading zoonotic diseases globally. The Qinghai Province, as part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is one of the provinces in China with the largest number of flea species. In this study, we characterized the microbial communities of eighty-five adult fleas, belonging to nineteen species within four families (Ceratophyllidae, Ctenophthalmidae, Leptopsyllidae, and Pulicidae). We identified a total of 1162 unique operational taxonomic units at the genus level, with flea-borne pathogens such as Wolbachia, Bartonella, Rickettsia being the members of top abundant taxa. Except for comparison between Ctenophthalmidae and Leptopsyllidae families, the analyses of both alpha- and beta- diversity indicators suggested that bacterial diversity varied among flea families. This could be attributed to flea phylogeny, which also influenced by their geographical sites and animal hosts. Results of Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) indicated that 29 genera in Ceratophylloidea, 11 genera in Ctenophthalmidae, 15 genera in Leptopsyllidae, and 22 genera in Pulicidae were significantly responsible for explaining the differences among the four flea families (linear discriminant analysis score > 2, P < 0.05). Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt2) analyses showed that the functional pathways varied significantly across flea families, which was supported by the significant correlation between the functional pathways and the microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Guo
- Qinghai Institute for Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Xining, 811602, China
| | - Wentao Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Luo Jia
- Qinghai Institute for Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Xining, 811602, China
| | - Yuanqing Tao
- Qinghai Institute for Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Xining, 811602, China.
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García-Sánchez AM, Trujillo I, Zurita A, Cutillas C. Differentiation of Synanthropic Fleas from Andalusia (Spain) through Geometric Morphometrics Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1582. [PMID: 38891629 PMCID: PMC11171366 DOI: 10.3390/ani14111582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Fleas (Siphonaptera) are ectoparasitic hematophagous insects responsible for causing bites and itchy skin conditions in both humans and animals. Furthermore, they can act as vectors of different pathogens of a wide variety of diseases worldwide, including bartonellosis, rickettsiosis, and bubonic plague. Accurate identification of fleas is necessary for the study of their epidemiology, prevention, and control. In addition to traditional morphological classification approaches and molecular biology techniques, geometric morphometrics is increasingly proving to be a useful complementary tool for discriminating between Siphonaptera taxa. With the objective of determining the capacity of this technique to identify and differentiate synanthropic fleas, a principal component analysis was carried out on populations of Ctenocephalides felis, Pulex irritans, and Archaeopsylla erinacei collected in distinct regions of Andalusia (Spain). The analysis carried out on 81 male and female specimens revealed factorial maps that allowed the differentiation of the populations under study, with only partial overlaps that did not prevent their correct identification. Global size differences were also detected, with a slightly larger size in P. irritans males and a bigger size in A. erinacei females. Therefore, the present study emphasizes the role of geometric morphometrics as a useful complementary technique in taxonomic studies of arthropods, especially in the case of flea specimens lacking representative morphological features.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonio Zurita
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Profesor García González 2, 41012 Sevilla, Spain; (A.M.G.-S.); (I.T.); (C.C.)
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Li F, Zhao S, Li E, Xie S, Wang N, Tan W, Wang Y. Detection of Rickettsia raoultii in Vermipsylla alakurt-Like Fleas of Sheep in Northwestern China. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:776-784. [PMID: 38418764 PMCID: PMC11001666 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00809-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To date, a total of 2574 validated flea species have been discovered. Vermipsyllidae is a family of fleas that comprises at least eight species. Vermipsylla is a genus of the family Vermipsyllidae within the order Siphonaptera of fleas. Here a novel Vermipsylla species was described, and rickettsial agent was also detected in it. METHODS A total of 128 fleas were collected directly from 260 pastured sheep in China. Of these, eight representative fleas (four males and four females) were identified by key morphological features. Meanwhile, 120 flea DNAs, including six flea samples for molecular taxonomy, were subjected to Rickettsia spp. DNA detection. The molecular identity of fleas was determined by amplification and sequenmce analysis of four genetic markers (the 28S rDNA genes, the 18S rDNA genes, the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and subunit II). In addition, five Rickettsia-specific gene fragments were used to identify the species of the rickettsial agents. The amplified products were sequenced and phylogenetically analyzed. RESULTS The morphological characteristics of the flea species identified in this study were similar to Vermipsylla alakurt, but presented difference in hair number of the metepimeron, the third tergum, the genitals and the tibiae of hind leg. The 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA and COII genetic markers from fleas showed the highest identity to those of V. alakurt, shared 98.45% (954/969), 95.81% (892/931) and 85.86% (571/665) similarities, respectively. However, the COI sequence showed the highest identity to that of Dorcadia ioffi with 88.48% (576/651) similarity. Rickettsia raoutii tested positive in 14.17% (17/120) flea DNA samples. CONCLUSION Our study reports the detection of R. raoultii in V. alakurt-like fleas infesting sheep in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengshi Li
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Ente Li
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Songsong Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University Medical School, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbo Tan
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuanzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Security, the XPCC, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi City, 832002, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China.
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Nyema J, Nath TC, Bhuiyan MJU, Islam S, Islam KM, Basir S, Dey N, Bhattacharjee T, Lee D. Morpho-molecular investigation of ectoparasitic infestation of companion animals in Sylhet city, Bangladesh. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2024; 47:100953. [PMID: 38199696 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2023.100953] [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: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Ticks (Ixodida) and Fleas (Siphonaptera) are considered among the most important arthropod of public health concern due to their ability to transmit vector-borne pathogens to humans. By sharing a common environment, vector-borne diseases constituted major setbacks to the development of a pet population in Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine companion animal-associated ticks and fleas based on morpho-molecular approaches. Between December 2021 and May 2022, 74 animals (62 cats and 12 dogs) were examined, of which 17 (27.4%) cats and 9 (75.0%) dogs had ectoparasitic infestations, with 35.1% overall prevalence. Morphometrical examination showed the ectoparasites in these animals were Ctenocephalides spp. (flea) and Riphicephalus spp. (tick). Genetic analysis using the mitochondrial markers i.e. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) revealed the presence of two flea species i.e., Ctenocephalides canis, Ctenocephalides felis, and one tick species Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Interviews of animal owners indicate that 35.14% of them had no concern about ectoparasitic infestation or ectoparasites-borne diseases. Our results indicated that fleas and ticks were the most common ectoparasites in companion animals of this area. The zoonotic nature of some ectoparasites can be regarded as a public health alert. The findings will assist epidemiologists and policymakers in offering customized guidance for upcoming monitoring and preventive tactics in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannatul Nyema
- Department of Parasitology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Tilak Chandra Nath
- Department of Parasitology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh; Parasite Resource Bank, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Saiful Islam
- Department of Parasitology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Kazi Mehetazul Islam
- Department of Parasitology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
| | | | - Nilotpal Dey
- Department of Parasitology, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet 3100, Bangladesh
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Laojun S, Changbunjong T, Chaiphongpachara T. Evaluation of Modern Techniques for Species Identification of Lutzia Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand: Geometric Morphometrics and DNA Barcoding. INSECTS 2023; 14:insects14010078. [PMID: 36662006 PMCID: PMC9862489 DOI: 10.3390/insects14010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
There are four species of Lutzia mosquitoes in Thailand, including Lutzia chiangmaiensis, Lt. fuscana, Lt. halifaxii, and Lt. vorax. The accurate species identification of adult Lutzia mosquitoes based on morphological features requires many body parts, including the abdominal terga and wing. However, species identification is difficult in the case of damaged specimens when some of their morphological character is missing due to transit or gathering in the field. Thus, we evaluated the efficacy of the landmark-based geometric morphometric (GM) approach for the discrimination of Lutzia species in Thailand. In addition, DNA barcoding was also used in parallel with the GM approach to identify the species. Larvae of Lutzia were collected, raised into adults, and identified based on their morphological characteristics. The validated reclassification test results clearly demonstrated that wing shape resulted in a high level of success in identification (correct identifications ranged from 92.50% to 100%); however, based on the DNA barcoding analyses, our results showed that it was poorly effective in identifying Lt. fuscana and Lt. halifaxii based on an overlap between the intraspecific and interspecific divergence. Moreover, our survey results provide updates on the distribution of Lt. chiangmaiensis and Lt. vorax in Thailand. This research will help medical entomologists more efficiently identify mosquitoes in the genus Lutzia, resulting in more effective mosquito control and surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedthapong Laojun
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand
| | - Tanasak Changbunjong
- Department of Pre-Clinic and Applied Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
- The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE), Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Tanawat Chaiphongpachara
- Department of Public Health and Health Promotion, College of Allied Health Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand
- Correspondence:
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