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Damiani C, Cappelli A, Comandatore F, Montarsi F, Serrao A, Michelutti A, Bertola M, Mancini MV, Ricci I, Bandi C, Favia G. Wolbachia in Aedes koreicus: Rare Detections and Possible Implications. Insects 2022; 13:insects13020216. [PMID: 35206789 PMCID: PMC8879236 DOI: 10.3390/insects13020216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The emerging distribution of new alien mosquito species was recently described in Europe. In addition to the invasion of Aedes albopictus, several studies have focused on monitoring and controlling other invasive Aedes species, as Aedes koreicus and Aedes japonicus. Considering the increasing development of insecticide resistance in Aedes mosquitoes, new control strategies, including the use of bacterial host symbionts, are proposed. However, little is known about the bacterial communities associated with these species, thus the identification of possible candidates for Symbiotic Control is currently limited. The characterization of the natural microbiota of field-collected Ae. koreicus mosquitoes from North-East Italy through PCR screening, identified native infections of Wolbachia in this species that is also largely colonized by Asaia bacteria. Since Asaia and Wolbachia are proposed as novel tools for Symbiotic Control, our study supports their use for innovative control strategies against new invasive species. Although the presence of Asaia was previously characterized in Ae. koreicus, our study characterized this Wolbachia strain, also inferring its phylogenetic position. The co-presence of Wolbachia and Asaia may provide additional information about microbial competition in mosquito, and to select suitable phenotypes for the suppression of pathogen transmission and for the manipulation of host reproduction in Ae. koreicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Damiani
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, CIRM Italian Malaria Network, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (C.D.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (I.R.)
- Biovecblok s.r.l., Via del Bastione 5, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Alessia Cappelli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, CIRM Italian Malaria Network, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (C.D.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (I.R.)
| | - Francesco Comandatore
- Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi Pediatric Research Center, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, Università di Milano, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy; (F.M.); (A.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Aurelio Serrao
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, CIRM Italian Malaria Network, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (C.D.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (I.R.)
- Biovecblok s.r.l., Via del Bastione 5, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Alice Michelutti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy; (F.M.); (A.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Michela Bertola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, Legnaro, 35020 Padova, Italy; (F.M.); (A.M.); (M.B.)
| | | | - Irene Ricci
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, CIRM Italian Malaria Network, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (C.D.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (I.R.)
| | - Claudio Bandi
- Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi Pediatric Research Center, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, Università di Milano, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy; (F.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Guido Favia
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, CIRM Italian Malaria Network, Via Gentile III da Varano, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (C.D.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (I.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-07-3740-3230
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Pelloquin B, Kristan M, Edi C, Meiwald A, Clark E, Jeffries CL, Walker T, Dada N, Messenger LA. Overabundance of Asaia and Serratia Bacteria Is Associated with Deltamethrin Insecticide Susceptibility in Anopheles coluzzii from Agboville, Côte d'Ivoire. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0015721. [PMID: 34668745 DOI: 10.1128/Spectrum.00157-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Insecticide resistance among mosquito species is now a pervasive phenomenon that threatens to jeopardize global malaria vector control efforts. Evidence of links between the mosquito microbiota and insecticide resistance is emerging, with significant enrichment of insecticide degrading bacteria and enzymes in resistant populations. Using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, we characterized and compared the microbiota of Anopheles coluzzii in relation to their deltamethrin resistance and exposure profiles. Comparisons between 2- and 3-day-old deltamethrin-resistant and -susceptible mosquitoes demonstrated significant differences in microbiota diversity. Ochrobactrum, Lysinibacillus, and Stenotrophomonas genera, each of which comprised insecticide-degrading species, were significantly enriched in resistant mosquitoes. Susceptible mosquitoes had a significant reduction in alpha diversity compared to resistant individuals, with Asaia and Serratia dominating microbial profiles. There was no significant difference in deltamethrin-exposed and -unexposed 5- to 6-day-old individuals, suggesting that insecticide exposure had minimal impact on microbial composition. Serratia and Asaia were also dominant in 5- to 6-day-old mosquitoes, which had reduced microbial diversity compared to 2- to 3-day-old mosquitoes. Our findings revealed significant alterations of Anopheles coluzzii microbiota associated with deltamethrin resistance, highlighting the potential for identification of novel microbial markers for insecticide resistance surveillance. qPCR detection of Serratia and Asaia was consistent with 16S rRNA sequencing, suggesting that population-level field screening of bacterial microbiota may be feasibly integrated into wider resistance monitoring, if reliable and reproducible markers associated with phenotype can be identified. IMPORTANCE Control of insecticide-resistant vector populations remains a significant challenge to global malaria control and while substantial progress has been made elucidating key target site mutations, overexpressed detoxification enzymes and alternate gene families, the contribution of the mosquito microbiota to phenotypic insecticide resistance has been largely overlooked. We focused on determining the effects of deltamethrin resistance intensity on Anopheles coluzzii microbiota and identifying any microbial taxa associated with phenotype. We demonstrated a significant reduction in microbial diversity between deltamethrin-resistant and -susceptible mosquitoes. Insecticide degrading bacterial species belonging to Ochrobactrum, Lysinibacillus, and Stenotrophomonas genera were significantly enriched in resistant mosquitoes, while Asaia and Serratia dominated microbial profiles of susceptible individuals. Our results revealed significant alterations of Anopheles coluzzii microbiota associated with deltamethrin resistance, highlighting the potential for identification of novel microbial markers for surveillance and opportunities for designing innovative control techniques to prevent the further evolution and spread of insecticide resistance.
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Maffo CGT, Sandeu MM, Fadel AN, Tchouakui M, Nguete DN, Menze B, Kusimo MO, Njiokou F, Hughes GL, Wondji CS. Molecular detection and maternal transmission of a bacterial symbiont Asaia species in field-caught Anopheles mosquitoes from Cameroon. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:539. [PMID: 34657608 PMCID: PMC8522098 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05044-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria control relies mainlyon insecticide-based tools. However, the effectiveness of these tools is threatened by widespread insecticide resistance in malaria vectors, highlighting the need for alternative control approaches. The endosymbiont Asaia has emerged as a promising candidate for paratransgenic control of malaria, but its biology and genetics still need to be further analyzed across Africa. Here, we investigated the prevalence of Asaia and its maternal transmission in the natural population of Anopheles mosquitoes in Cameroon. METHODS Indoor-resting adult mosquitoes belonging to four species (An. coluzzii, An. arabiensis, An. funestus and An. gambiae) were collected from eight localities across Cameroon from July 2016 to February 2020. PCR was performed on the Asaia-specific 16S ribosomal RNA gene, and samples positive by PCR for Asaia were confirmed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The vertical transmission of Asaia was investigated by screening F1 mosquitoes belonging to F0 Asaia-positive females. RESULTS A total of 895 mosquitoes were screened. We found 43% (384) Asaia infection prevalence in four mosquito species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Asaia from Cameroon clustered together with the strains of Asaia isolated from other parts of the world. In addition, seven nucleotide sequence variants were found with low genetic diversity (π = 0.00241) and nucleotide sequence variant diversity (Hd = 0.481). Asaia was vertically transmitted with high frequency (range from 42.5 to 100%). CONCLUSIONS This study provides field-based evidence of the presence of Asaia in Anopheles mosquitoes in Cameroon for exploitation as a symbiont in the control of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudine Grâce Tatsinkou Maffo
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. BOX 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon.,Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé 1, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Maurice Marcel Sandeu
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. BOX 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon. .,Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, Po Box 454, Ngaoundere, Cameroon.
| | - Amen Nakebang Fadel
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. BOX 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Magellan Tchouakui
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. BOX 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Daniel Nguiffo Nguete
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. BOX 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Benjamin Menze
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. BOX 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Michael O Kusimo
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. BOX 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Flobert Njiokou
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. BOX 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon.,Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé 1, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Grant L Hughes
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Charles S Wondji
- Department of Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), P.O. BOX 13591, Yaoundé, Cameroon.,Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK
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Chen S, Yu T, Terrapon N, Henrissat B, Walker ED. Genome Features of Asaia sp. W12 Isolated from the Mosquito Anopheles stephensi Reveal Symbiotic Traits. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:752. [PMID: 34067621 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Asaia bacteria commonly comprise part of the microbiome of many mosquito species in the genera Anopheles and Aedes, including important vectors of infectious agents. Their close association with multiple organs and tissues of their mosquito hosts enhances the potential for paratransgenesis for the delivery of antimalaria or antivirus effectors. The molecular mechanisms involved in the interactions between Asaia and mosquito hosts, as well as Asaia and other bacterial members of the mosquito microbiome, remain underexplored. Here, we determined the genome sequence of Asaia strain W12 isolated from Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, compared it to other Asaia species associated with plants or insects, and investigated the properties of the bacteria relevant to their symbiosis with mosquitoes. The assembled genome of strain W12 had a size of 3.94 MB, the largest among Asaia spp. studied so far. At least 3585 coding sequences were predicted. Insect-associated Asaia carried more glycoside hydrolase (GH)-encoding genes than those isolated from plants, showing their high plant biomass-degrading capacity in the insect gut. W12 had the most predicted regulatory protein components comparatively among the selected Asaia, indicating its capacity to adapt to frequent environmental changes in the mosquito gut. Two complete operons encoding cytochrome bo3-type ubiquinol terminal oxidases (cyoABCD-1 and cyoABCD-2) were found in most Asaia genomes, possibly offering alternative terminal oxidases and allowing the flexible transition of respiratory pathways. Genes involved in the production of 2,3-butandiol and inositol have been found in Asaia sp. W12, possibly contributing to biofilm formation and stress tolerance.
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Comandatore F, Damiani C, Cappelli A, Ribolla PEM, Gasperi G, Gradoni F, Capelli G, Piazza A, Montarsi F, Mancini MV, Rossi P, Ricci I, Bandi C, Favia G. Phylogenomics Reveals that Asaia Symbionts from Insects Underwent Convergent Genome Reduction, Preserving an Insecticide-Degrading Gene. mBio 2021; 12:e00106-21. [PMID: 33785632 DOI: 10.1128/mBio.00106-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The mosquito microbiota is composed of several lineages of microorganisms whose ecological roles and evolutionary histories have yet to be investigated in depth. Among these microorganisms, Asaia bacteria play a prominent role, given their abundance in the gut, reproductive organs, and salivary glands of different mosquito species, while their presence has also been reported in several other insects. Notably, Asaia has great potential as a tool for the control of mosquito-borne diseases. Here, we present a wide phylogenomic analysis of Asaia strains isolated from different species of mosquito vectors and from different populations of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, an insect pest of worldwide economic importance. We show that phylogenetically distant lineages of Asaia experienced independent genome reductions, despite following a common pattern, characterized by the early loss of genes involved in genome stability. This result highlights the role of specific metabolic pathways in the symbiotic relationship between Asaia and the insect host. Finally, we discovered that all but one of the Asaia strains included in the study possess the pyrethroid hydrolase gene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that this gene is ancestral in Asaia, strongly suggesting that it played a role in the establishment of the symbiotic association between these bacteria and the mosquito hosts. We propose that this gene from the symbiont contributed to initial pyrethroid resistance in insects harboring Asaia, also considering the widespread production of pyrethrins by several plants.IMPORTANCE We have studied genome reduction within several strains of the insect symbiont Asaia isolated from different species/strains of mosquito and medfly. Phylogenetically distant strains of Asaia, despite following a common pattern involving the loss of genes related to genome stability, have undergone independent genome reductions, highlighting the peculiar role of specific metabolic pathways in the symbiotic relationship between Asaia and its host. We also show that the pyrethroid hydrolase gene is present in all the Asaia strains isolated except for the South American malaria vector Anopheles darlingi, for which resistance to pyrethroids has never been reported, suggesting a possible involvement of Asaia in determining resistance to insecticides.
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Grogan C, Bennett M, Moore S, Lampe D. Novel Asaia bogorensis Signal Sequences for Plasmodium Inhibition in Anopheles stephensi. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:633667. [PMID: 33664722 PMCID: PMC7921796 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.633667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes vector many pathogens that cause human disease, such as malaria that is caused by parasites in the genus Plasmodium. Current strategies to control vector-transmitted diseases are hindered by mosquito and pathogen resistance, so research has turned to altering the microbiota of the vectors. In this strategy, called paratransgenesis, symbiotic bacteria are genetically modified to affect the mosquito's phenotype by engineering them to deliver antiplasmodial effector molecules into the midgut to kill parasites. One paratransgenesis candidate is Asaia bogorensis, a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium colonizing the midgut, ovaries, and salivary glands of Anopheles sp. mosquitoes. However, common secretion signals from E. coli and closely related species do not function in Asaia. Here, we report evaluation of 20 native Asaia N-terminal signal sequences predicted from bioinformatics for their ability to mediate increased levels of antiplasmodial effector molecules directed to the periplasm and ultimately outside the cell. We tested the hypothesis that by increasing the amount of antiplasmodials released from the cell we would also increase parasite killing power. We scanned the Asaia bogorensis SF2.1 genome to identify signal sequences from extra-cytoplasmic proteins and fused these to the reporter protein alkaline phosphatase. Six signals resulted in significant levels of protein released from the Asaia bacterium. Three signals were successfully used to drive the release of the antimicrobial peptide, scorpine. Further testing in mosquitoes demonstrated that these three Asaia strains were able to suppress the number of oocysts formed after a blood meal containing P. berghei to a significantly greater degree than wild-type Asaia, although prevalence was not decreased beyond levels obtained with a previously isolated siderophore receptor signal sequence. We interpret these results to indicate that there is a maximum level of suppression that can be achieved when the effectors are constitutively driven due to stress on the symbionts. This suggests that simply increasing the amount of antiplasmodial effector molecules in the midgut is insufficient to create superior paratransgenic bacterial strains and that symbiont fitness must be considered as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Grogan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Marissa Bennett
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Shannon Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - David Lampe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Li F, Hua H, Han Y, Hou M. Plant-Mediated Horizontal Transmission of Asaia Between White-Backed Planthoppers, Sogatella furcifera. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:593485. [PMID: 33329476 PMCID: PMC7734105 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.593485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Asaia is a bacterial symbiont of sugar-feeding insects that has been shown to be vertically transmitted by maternal transmission and paternal transmission mechanism, and to be horizontally transmitted via co-feeding artificial diet and venereal routes. Here, the first case of plant-mediated horizontal transmission of Asaia between white-backed planthoppers (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera, was reported. In Asaia-infected WBPH, Asaia was detected mostly in salivary glands and to a less extent in stylets. The rice leaf sheaths fed by Asaia-infected WBPH for 12 h were all positive with Asaia, where Asaia persisted for at least 30 d but was localized in the feeding sites only. When confined to Asaia-infected leaf sheaths for 7 d at the sites pre-infested by the Asaia-infected WBPH, all Asaia-free WBPH became infected with Asaia and the acquired Asaia could be vertically transmitted to their offspring. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed an identical Asaia strain in the Asaia-infected donor WBPH, the Asaia-infected leaf sheaths, and the newly infected recipient WBPH. Our findings provide direct evidence for the first time that rice plant can mediate horizontal transmission of Asaia between WBPH, which may contribute to the spread of Asaia in the field WBPH populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Biopesticide Engineering Research Center, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongxia Hua
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongqiang Han
- College of Life Science and Environmental Resources, Yichun University, Yichun, China
| | - Maolin Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Dacey DP, Chain FJJ. The Challenges of Microbial Control of Mosquito-Borne Diseases Due to the Gut Microbiome. Front Genet 2020; 11:504354. [PMID: 33133140 PMCID: PMC7575760 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.504354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest animals on earth because of their ability to transmit a wide range of human pathogens. Traditional mosquito control methods use chemical insecticides, but with dwindling long-term effectiveness and negative effects on the environment, microbial forms of control have become common alternatives. The insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti) is the most popular of these alternatives, although it can also have direct effects on lowering environmental biodiversity and indirect effects on food-web relationships in the ecosystems where it is deployed. In addition, microbial control agents that impede pathogen development or transmission from mosquito to human are under investigation, including Wolbachia and Asaia, but unexpected interactions with mosquito gut bacteria can hinder their effectiveness. Improved characterization of mosquito gut bacterial communities is needed to determine the taxa that interfere with microbial controls and their effectiveness in wild populations. This mini-review briefly discusses relationships between mosquito gut bacteria and microbial forms of control, and the challenges in ensuring their success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel P Dacey
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Frédéric J J Chain
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
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Mancini MV, Damiani C, Short SM, Cappelli A, Ulissi U, Capone A, Serrao A, Rossi P, Amici A, Kalogris C, Dimopoulos G, Ricci I, Favia G. Inhibition of Asaia in Adult Mosquitoes Causes Male-Specific Mortality and Diverse Transcriptome Changes. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9050380. [PMID: 32429180 PMCID: PMC7281548 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9050380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes can transmit many infectious diseases, such as malaria, dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and lymphatic filariasis. Current mosquito control strategies are failing to reduce the severity of outbreaks that still cause high human morbidity and mortality worldwide. Great expectations have been placed on genetic control methods. Among other methods, genetic modification of the bacteria colonizing different mosquito species and expressing anti-pathogen molecules may represent an innovative tool to combat mosquito-borne diseases. Nevertheless, this emerging approach, known as paratransgenesis, requires a detailed understanding of the mosquito microbiota and an accurate characterization of selected bacteria candidates. The acetic acid bacteria Asaia is a promising candidate for paratransgenic approaches. We have previously reported that Asaia symbionts play a beneficial role in the normal development of Anopheles mosquito larvae, but no study has yet investigated the role(s) of Asaia in adult mosquito biology. Here we report evidence on how treatment with a highly specific anti-Asaia monoclonal antibody impacts the survival and physiology of adult Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. Our findings offer useful insight on the role of Asaia in several physiological systems of adult mosquitoes, where the influence differs between males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vittoria Mancini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.V.M.); (C.D.); (A.C.); (U.U.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (P.R.); (A.A.); (C.K.); (I.R.)
- MRC-University of Glasgow-Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Claudia Damiani
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.V.M.); (C.D.); (A.C.); (U.U.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (P.R.); (A.A.); (C.K.); (I.R.)
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria (Italian Malaria Network), Italy
| | - Sarah M. Short
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Alessia Cappelli
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.V.M.); (C.D.); (A.C.); (U.U.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (P.R.); (A.A.); (C.K.); (I.R.)
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria (Italian Malaria Network), Italy
| | - Ulisse Ulissi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.V.M.); (C.D.); (A.C.); (U.U.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (P.R.); (A.A.); (C.K.); (I.R.)
| | - Aida Capone
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.V.M.); (C.D.); (A.C.); (U.U.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (P.R.); (A.A.); (C.K.); (I.R.)
| | - Aurelio Serrao
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.V.M.); (C.D.); (A.C.); (U.U.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (P.R.); (A.A.); (C.K.); (I.R.)
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria (Italian Malaria Network), Italy
| | - Paolo Rossi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.V.M.); (C.D.); (A.C.); (U.U.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (P.R.); (A.A.); (C.K.); (I.R.)
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria (Italian Malaria Network), Italy
| | - Augusto Amici
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.V.M.); (C.D.); (A.C.); (U.U.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (P.R.); (A.A.); (C.K.); (I.R.)
| | - Cristina Kalogris
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.V.M.); (C.D.); (A.C.); (U.U.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (P.R.); (A.A.); (C.K.); (I.R.)
| | - George Dimopoulos
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Irene Ricci
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.V.M.); (C.D.); (A.C.); (U.U.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (P.R.); (A.A.); (C.K.); (I.R.)
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria (Italian Malaria Network), Italy
| | - Guido Favia
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy; (M.V.M.); (C.D.); (A.C.); (U.U.); (A.C.); (A.S.); (P.R.); (A.A.); (C.K.); (I.R.)
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sulla Malaria (Italian Malaria Network), Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-0737-403230; Fax: +39-0737-403290
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10
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Dahmana H, Mediannikov O. Mosquito-Borne Diseases Emergence/Resurgence and How to Effectively Control It Biologically. Pathogens 2020; 9:E310. [PMID: 32340230 PMCID: PMC7238209 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9040310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Deadly pathogens and parasites are transmitted by vectors and the mosquito is considered the most threatening vector in public health, transmitting these pathogens to humans and animals. We are currently witnessing the emergence/resurgence in new regions/populations of the most important mosquito-borne diseases, such as arboviruses and malaria. This resurgence may be the consequence of numerous complex parameters, but the major cause remains the mismanagement of insecticide use and the emergence of resistance. Biological control programmes have rendered promising results but several highly effective techniques, such as genetic manipulation, remain insufficiently considered as a control mechanism. Currently, new strategies based on attractive toxic sugar baits and new agents, such as Wolbachia and Asaia, are being intensively studied for potential use as alternatives to chemicals. Research into new insecticides, Insect Growth Regulators, and repellent compounds is pressing, and the improvement of biological strategies may provide key solutions to prevent outbreaks, decrease the danger to at-risk populations, and mitigate resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handi Dahmana
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France;
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Oleg Mediannikov
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, MEPHI, 13005 Marseille, France;
- IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France
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11
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Li F, Li P, Hua H, Hou M, Wang F. Diversity, Tissue Localization, and Infection Pattern of Bacterial Symbionts of the White-Backed Planthopper, Sogatella furcifera (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). Microb Ecol 2020; 79:720-730. [PMID: 31595328 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-019-01433-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The white-backed planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera (Horváth), is a destructive pest of rice. Bacterial symbionts play an important role in insect hosts, especially hemipteran hosts. This study was designed to examine the bacterial symbionts of the WBPH using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. A total of 63 and 177 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified in females and males of three WBPH populations, respectively. These OTUs included bacteria of 75 genera from 11 phyla, where Wolbachia, Cardinium, and Asaia were the dominant genera, accounting for over 97.99% of all the symbiotic bacteria. Fluorescence in situ hybridization detected Wolbachia, Cardinium, and Asaia in the salivary glands, guts, testes, and eggs of the WBPH, indicating the potential for both horizontal and vertical transmission. Moreover, the infection pattern of the three dominant bacterial symbionts was detected in six WBPH populations. The frequencies of Wolbachia infection of females and Cardinium infection of both sexes were over 96.7%. Wolbachia infection of males ranged between 46.7 and 63.3%, which was significantly lower than that observed for females. Asaia infection of both sexes varied substantially among the populations. These results indicate that the complex host-symbiotic bacteria interaction is influenced by host sex and geographical origin and potentially by the transmission modes of the symbionts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Pei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Hongxia Hua
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Maolin Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guilin, Ministry of Agriculture, Guilin, 541399, China.
- Southern Regional Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain and Oil Crops in China, Changsha, 410128, China.
| | - Fulian Wang
- College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434000, China
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12
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Asgari M, Ilbeigikhamsehnejad M, Rismani E, Dinparast Djadid N, Raz A. Molecular characterization of RNase III protein of Asaia sp. for developing a robust RNAi-based paratransgensis tool to affect the sexual life-cycle of Plasmodium or Anopheles fitness. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:42. [PMID: 31996254 PMCID: PMC6990573 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3889-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background According to scientific recommendations, paratransgenesis is one of the solutions for improving the effectiveness of the Global Malaria Eradication Programme. In paratransgenesis, symbiont microorganisms are used for distorting or blocking the parasite life-cycle, affecting the fitness and longevity of vectors or reducing the vectorial competence. It has been revealed recently that bacteria could be used as potent tools for double stranded RNA production and delivery to insects. Moreover, findings showed that RNase III mutant bacteria are more competent for this aim. Asaia spp. have been introduced as potent paratransgenesis candidates for combating malaria and, based on their specific features for this goal, could be considered as effective dsRNA production and delivery tools to Anopheles spp. Therefore, we decided to characterize the rnc gene and its related protein to provide the basic required information for creating an RNase III mutant Asaia bacterium. Methods Asaia bacteria were isolated from field-collected Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. The rnc gene and its surrounding sequences were characterized by rapid amplification of genomic ends. RNase III recombinant protein was expressed in E. coli BL21 and biological activity of the purified recombinant protein was assayed. Furthermore, Asaia RNaseIII amino acid sequence was analyzed by in silico approaches such as homology modeling and docking to determine its structural properties. Results In this study, the structure of rnc gene and its related operon from Asaia sp. was determined. In addition, by performing superimposition and docking with specific substrate, the structural features of Asaia RNaseIII protein such as critical residues which are involved and essential for proper folding of active site, binding of magnesium ions and double stranded RNA molecule to protein and cleaving of dsRNA molecules, were determined. Conclusions In this study, the basic and essential data for creating an RNase III mutant Asaia sp. strain, which is the first step of developing an efficient RNAi-based paratransgenesis tool, were acquired. Asaia sp. have been found in different medically-important vectors and these data are potentially very helpful for researchers studying paratransgenesis and vector-borne diseases and are interested in applying the RNAi technology in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Asgari
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdokht Ilbeigikhamsehnejad
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Rismani
- Molecular Medicine Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Dinparast Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abbasali Raz
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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Shuttleworth LA, Khan MAM, Osborne T, Collins D, Srivastava M, Reynolds OL. A walk on the wild side: gut bacteria fed to mass-reared larvae of Queensland fruit fly [Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt)] influence development. BMC Biotechnol 2019; 19:95. [PMID: 31847841 PMCID: PMC6918714 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-019-0579-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera, Tephritidae) is the most significant insect pest of Australian horticulture. Bactrocera tryoni is controlled using a range of tools including the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Mass-rearing and irradiation of pupae in SIT can reduce the fitness and quality of the released sterile insects. Studies have also showed reduced microbial gut diversity in domesticated versus wild tephritids. RESULTS Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of the bacterial isolates in the mid-gut of mass-reared larvae, and plate counts from individual larval guts showed increased numbers of bacteria in supplemented larvae. Several developmental and fitness parameters were tested including larval development time (egg-hatch to pupation), pupal weight, emergence, flight ability, sex-ratio, and time to adult eclosion (egg-hatch to adult eclosion). Enterobacter sp. and Asaia sp. shortened larval development time, while this was delayed by Lactobacillus sp., Leuconostoc sp. and a blend of all four bacteria. The mean time from egg hatch to adult eclosion was significantly reduced by Leuconostoc sp. and the blend for males and females, indicating that the individual bacterium and consortium affect flies differently depending on the life stage (larval or pupal). There was no impact of bacterial supplemented larvae on pupal weight, emergence, flight ability, or sex ratio. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that bacteria fed to the larval stage of B. tryoni can impart fitness advantages, but the selection of probiotic strains (individual or a consortium) is key, as each have varying effects on the host. Bacteria added to the larval diet particularly Leuconostoc sp. and the blend have the capacity to reduce costs and increase the number of flies produced in mass-rearing facilities by reducing time to adult eclosion by 1.3 and 0.8 mean days for males, and 1.2 and 0.8 mean days for females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Alexander Shuttleworth
- Biosecurity and Food Safety, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, 2568 Australia
- Present address: NIAB EMR, Department of Pest and Pathogen Ecology, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ UK
| | - Mohammed Abul Monjur Khan
- Biosecurity and Food Safety, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, 2568 Australia
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202 Bangladesh
| | - Terrence Osborne
- Biosecurity and Food Safety, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, 2568 Australia
| | - Damian Collins
- Biosecurity and Food Safety, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, 2568 Australia
| | - Mukesh Srivastava
- Biosecurity and Food Safety, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, 2568 Australia
| | - Olivia Louise Reynolds
- Biosecurity and Food Safety, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, 2568 Australia
- Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation (an alliance between NSW Department of Primary Industries and Charles Sturt University), Wagga Wagga, New South Wales 2650 Australia
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002 China
- Present address: cesar Pty Ltd, Parkville, Victoria 3052 Australia
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14
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Alfano N, Tagliapietra V, Rosso F, Manica M, Arnoldi D, Pindo M, Rizzoli A. Changes in Microbiota Across Developmental Stages of Aedes koreicus, an Invasive Mosquito Vector in Europe: Indications for Microbiota-Based Control Strategies. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2832. [PMID: 31921019 PMCID: PMC6914824 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Since it has been understood that gut microbiota of vector mosquitoes can influence their vector competence, efforts have been undertaken to develop new control strategies based on host microbiota manipulation, and aimed at suppressing the vector population or replacing it with a less competent one. For the proper design of such control strategies it is necessary to know the microbiota composition of the target vector species, how it is acquired, and how it changes throughout the host’s life cycle. In this study, 16S rRNA amplicon high-throughput sequencing was used to characterize the changes in microbiota from the aquatic environment (larval breeding sites) to the different developmental stages of field-collected Aedes koreicus in Italy, an emerging invasive mosquito species in Europe and a potential vector of several pathogens. The bacterial communities of the aquatic breeding sites, larvae, pupae and adults showed distinctive structures to one another. Indeed, 84% of community members were unique to a given sample type. Nevertheless, almost 40% of the sequences generated were assigned to bacteria detected in all sample types, suggesting the importance of bacteria transstadially transmitted from water to the adult stage in constituting mosquito microbiota. Among these, genus C39 largely constituted water microbiota, family Burkholderiaceae was the most abundant in larvae and pupae, and genus Asaia dominated adult communities. In addition, Asaia constituted a core microbiota across all sample types. Our results suggest that the microbiota of Ae. koreicus mosquitoes is composed by a community which derives from the aquatic bacteria of the larval breeding sites, is then filtered by the larval gut, where only certain members are able to persist, rearranged by metamorphosis and finally modified by the change in diet at the adult stage. Understanding how the microbiota of Ae. koreicus changes through the mosquito life cycle represents a first step in selecting bacterial candidates for use in microbiota-based intervention measures for this species. The properties which Asaia exhibits in this species, such as dominance, high prevalence and transstadial transmission, prevent the use of Wolbachia but make Asaia an ideal candidate for paratransgenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Alfano
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Fausta Rosso
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, Trento, Italy
| | - Mattia Manica
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, Trento, Italy
| | - Daniele Arnoldi
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, Trento, Italy
| | - Massimo Pindo
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, Trento, Italy
| | - Annapaola Rizzoli
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, Trento, Italy
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15
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Cappelli A, Damiani C, Mancini MV, Valzano M, Rossi P, Serrao A, Ricci I, Favia G. Asaia Activates Immune Genes in Mosquito Eliciting an Anti- Plasmodium Response: Implications in Malaria Control. Front Genet 2019; 10:836. [PMID: 31608103 PMCID: PMC6774264 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In mosquitoes, the discovery of the numerous interactions between components of the microbiota and the host immune response opens up the attractive possibility of the development of novel control strategies against mosquito borne diseases. We have focused our attention to Asaia, a symbiont of several mosquito vectors who has been proposed as one of the most potential tool for paratransgenic applications; although being extensively characterized, its interactions with the mosquito immune system has never been investigated. Here we report a study aimed at describing the interactions between Asaia and the immune system of two vectors of malaria, Anophelesstephensi and An. gambiae. The introduction of Asaia isolates induced the activation of the basal level of mosquito immunity and lower the development of malaria parasite in An. stephensi. These findings confirm and expand the potential of Asaia in mosquito borne diseases control, not only through paratransgenesis, but also as a natural effector for mosquito immune priming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cappelli
- School of Biosciences & Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Claudia Damiani
- School of Biosciences & Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Valzano
- School of Biosciences & Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Paolo Rossi
- School of Biosciences & Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Aurelio Serrao
- School of Biosciences & Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Irene Ricci
- School of Biosciences & Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Guido Favia
- School of Biosciences & Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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16
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Li F, Hua H, Ali A, Hou M. Characterization of a Bacterial Symbiont Asaia sp. in the White-Backed Planthopper, Sogatella furcifera, and Its Effects on Host Fitness. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2179. [PMID: 31620116 PMCID: PMC6759652 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The white-backed planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera Horváth (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), is an economically significant rice insect pest that harbors a primary fungal yeast-like symbiont (YLS), and some secondary bacterial symbionts like Wolbachia and Cardinium. In the present study, an additional bacterial symbiont in WBPH was characterized. Phylogenetic analysis employing the 16S rRNA gene showed a bacterium closely related to Asaia of Nilaparvata lugens and Nysius expressus, and Asaia krungthepensis. TEM observation of the bacterium showed the typical morphology of Asaia sp. with signature filamentous structures in the nucleoid region. These results indicate that the bacterium belongs to Asaia. The Asaia bacterium was detected in all the tested individual adults and tissues of the laboratory WBPH population but showed varying infection rates (ca 45%) in the field collected WBPH populations. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that Asaia sp. were significantly more abundant in WBPH females than males, and mainly distributed in the guts, fatty bodies, and salivary glands. Asaia-infected WBPH were of shorter nymphal duration and heavier adult weight than Asaia-free WBPH, while Asaia-free WBPH comparatively fed more, indicating that Asaia plays a role in improving WBPH fitness through involvement in host's nutrient supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongxia Hua
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Asad Ali
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Agriculture, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Maolin Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Crop Pests in Guilin, Ministry of Agriculture, Guilin, China
- Southern Regional Collaborative Innovation Center for Grain and Oil Crops in China, Changsha, China
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17
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Gonella E, Mandrioli M, Tedeschi R, Crotti E, Pontini M, Alma A. Activation of Immune Genes in Leafhoppers by Phytoplasmas and Symbiotic Bacteria. Front Physiol 2019; 10:795. [PMID: 31281266 PMCID: PMC6598074 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect immunity is a crucial process in interactions between host and microorganisms and the presence of pathogenic, commensal, or beneficial bacteria may result in different immune responses. In Hemiptera vectors of phytoplasmas, infected insects are amenable to carrying high loads of phytopathogens, besides hosting other bacterial affiliates, which have evolved different strategies to be retained; adaptation to host response and immunomodulation are key aspects of insect-symbiont interactions. Most of the analyses published to date has investigated insect immune response to pathogens, whereas few studies have focused on the role of host immunity in microbiota homeostasis and vectorial capacity. Here the expression of immune genes in the leafhopper vector of phytoplasmas Euscelidius variegatus was investigated following exposure to Asaia symbiotic bacteria, previously demonstrated to affect phytoplasma acquisition by leafhoppers. The expression of four genes related to major components of immunity was measured, i.e., defensin, phenoloxidase, kazal type 1 serine protease inhibitor and Raf, a component of the Ras/Raf pathway. The response was separately tested in whole insects, midguts and cultured hemocytes. Healthy individuals were assessed along with specimens undergoing early- and late-stage phytoplasma infection. In addition, the adhesion grade of Asaia strains was examined to assess whether symbionts could establish a physical barrier against phytoplasma colonization. Our results revealed a specific activation of Raf in midguts after double infection by Asaia and flavescence dorée phytoplasma. Increased expression was observed already in early stages of phytoplasma colonization. Gut-specific localization and timing of Raf activation are consistent with the role played by Asaia in limiting phytoplasma acquisition by E. variegatus, supporting the involvement of this gene in the anti-pathogen activity. However, limited attachment capability was found for Asaia under in vitro experimental conditions, suggesting a minor contribution of physical phytoplasma exclusion from the vector gut wall. By providing evidence of immune modulation played by Asaia, these results contribute to elucidating the molecular mechanisms regulating interference with phytoplasma infection in E. variegatus. The involvement of Raf suggests that in the presence of reduced immunity (reported in Hemipterans), immune genes can be differently regulated and recruited to play additional functions, generally played by genes lost by hemipterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Gonella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), Università degli Studi di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Mauro Mandrioli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita (DSV), Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Rosemarie Tedeschi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), Università degli Studi di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Elena Crotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze per gli Alimenti, la Nutrizione e l'Ambiente (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marianna Pontini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), Università degli Studi di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Alberto Alma
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), Università degli Studi di Torino, Grugliasco, Italy
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18
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Jeffries CL, Lawrence GG, Golovko G, Kristan M, Orsborne J, Spence K, Hurn E, Bandibabone J, Tantely LM, Raharimalala FN, Keita K, Camara D, Barry Y, Wat'senga F, Manzambi EZ, Afrane YA, Mohammed AR, Abeku TA, Hedge S, Khanipov K, Pimenova M, Fofanov Y, Boyer S, Irish SR, Hughes GL, Walker T. Novel Wolbachia strains in Anopheles malaria vectors from Sub-Saharan Africa. Wellcome Open Res 2018; 3:113. [PMID: 30483601 PMCID: PMC6234743 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.14765.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Wolbachia, a common insect endosymbiotic bacterium that can influence pathogen transmission and manipulate host reproduction, has historically been considered absent from the Anopheles (An.) genera, but has recently been found in An. gambiae s.l. populations in West Africa. As there are numerous Anopheles species that have the capacity to transmit malaria, we analysed a range of species across five malaria endemic countries to determine Wolbachia prevalence rates, characterise novel Wolbachia strains and determine any correlation between the presence of Plasmodium, Wolbachia and the competing bacterium Asaia. Methods: Anopheles adult mosquitoes were collected from five malaria-endemic countries: Guinea, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ghana, Uganda and Madagascar, between 2013 and 2017. Molecular analysis was undertaken using quantitative PCR, Sanger sequencing, Wolbachia multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and high-throughput amplicon sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. Results: Novel Wolbachia strains were discovered in five species: An. coluzzii, An. gambiae s.s., An. arabiensis, An. moucheti and An. species A, increasing the number of Anopheles species known to be naturally infected. Variable prevalence rates in different locations were observed and novel strains were phylogenetically diverse, clustering with Wolbachia supergroup B strains. We also provide evidence for resident strain variants within An. species A. Wolbachia is the dominant member of the microbiome in An. moucheti and An. species A but present at lower densities in An. coluzzii. Interestingly, no evidence of Wolbachia/Asaia co-infections was seen and Asaia infection densities were shown to be variable and location dependent. Conclusions: The important discovery of novel Wolbachia strains in Anopheles provides greater insight into the prevalence of resident Wolbachia strains in diverse malaria vectors. Novel Wolbachia strains (particularly high-density strains) are ideal candidate strains for transinfection to create stable infections in other Anopheles mosquito species, which could be used for population replacement or suppression control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Jeffries
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Gena G Lawrence
- Entomology Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, 30033, USA
| | - George Golovko
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Mojca Kristan
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - James Orsborne
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Kirstin Spence
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Eliot Hurn
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Janvier Bandibabone
- Laboratoire d'entomologie médicale et parasitologie, Centre de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles (CRSN/LWIRO), Sud-Kivu, Congo, Democratic Republic
| | - Luciano M Tantely
- Unité d'Entomologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Fara N Raharimalala
- Unité d'Entomologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Kalil Keita
- Nationale de Lutte contre le Paludisme, Ministere de la Sante, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Denka Camara
- Nationale de Lutte contre le Paludisme, Ministere de la Sante, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Yaya Barry
- Nationale de Lutte contre le Paludisme, Ministere de la Sante, Conakry, Guinea
| | - Francis Wat'senga
- National Institute of Biomedical Research, Kinshasa, Congo, Democratic Republic
| | - Emile Z Manzambi
- National Institute of Biomedical Research, Kinshasa, Congo, Democratic Republic
| | - Yaw A Afrane
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abdul R Mohammed
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Shivanand Hedge
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Kamil Khanipov
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Maria Pimenova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Yuriy Fofanov
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Sebastien Boyer
- Unité d'Entomologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Seth R Irish
- The US President's Malaria Initiative and Entomology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, 30329-4027, USA
| | - Grant L Hughes
- Department of Pathology, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Center for Tropical Diseases, Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas Walker
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
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19
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Rami A, Raz A, Zakeri S, Dinparast Djadid N. Isolation and identification of Asaia sp. in Anopheles spp. mosquitoes collected from Iranian malaria settings: steps toward applying paratransgenic tools against malaria. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:367. [PMID: 29950179 PMCID: PMC6022440 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2955-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the genus Asaia (Rhodospirillales: Acetobacteraceae) has been isolated from different Anopheles species and presented as a promising tool to combat malaria. This bacterium has unique features such as presence in different organs of mosquitoes (midgut, salivary glands and reproductive organs) of female and male mosquitoes and vertical and horizontal transmission. These specifications lead to the possibility of introducing Asaia as a robust candidate for malaria vector control via paratransgenesis technology. Several studies have been performed on the microbiota of Anopheles mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Iran and the Middle East to find a suitable candidate for controlling the malaria based on paratransgenesis approaches. The present study is the first report of isolation, biochemical and molecular characterization of the genus Asaia within five different Anopheles species which originated from different zoogeographical zones in the south, east, and north of Iran. METHODS Mosquitoes originated from field-collected and laboratory-reared colonies of five Anopheles spp. Adult mosquitoes were anesthetized; their midguts were isolated by dissection, followed by grinding the midgut contents which were then cultured in enrichment broth media and later in CaCO3 agar plates separately. Morphological, biochemical and physiological characterization were carried out after the appearance of colonies. For molecular confirmation, selected colonies were cultured, their DNAs were extracted and PCR was performed on the 16S ribosomal RNA gene using specific newly designed primers. RESULTS Morphological, biochemical, physiological and molecular results indicated that all isolates are members of the genus Asaia. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to previous opinions, our findings show that Asaia bacteria are present in both insectary-reared colonies and field-collected mosquitoes and can be isolated by simple and specific methods. Furthermore, with respect to the fact that we isolated Asaia within the different Anopheles specimens from distinct climatic and zoogeographical regions, it is promising and may be concluded that species of this genus can tolerate the complicated environmental conditions of the vector-borne diseases endemic regions. Therefore, it can be considered as a promising target in paratransgenesis and vector control programs. However, we suggest that introducing the new technologies such as next generation sequencing and robust in silico approaches may pave the way to find a unique biomarker for rapid and reliable differentiation of the Asaia species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Rami
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbasali Raz
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Zakeri
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Navid Dinparast Djadid
- Malaria and Vector Research Group (MVRG), Biotechnology Research Center (BRC), Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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20
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Koziróg A, Kręgiel D, Brycki B. Action of Monomeric/Gemini Surfactants on Free Cells and Biofilm of Asaia lannensis. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22112036. [PMID: 29165338 PMCID: PMC6150408 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22112036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the biological activity of surfactants based on quaternary ammonium compounds: gemini surfactant hexamethylene-1,6-bis-(N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylammonium bromide) (C6), synthesized by the reaction of N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecylamine with 1,6-dibromohexane, and its monomeric analogue dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB). The experiments were performed with bacteria Asaia lannensis, a common spoilage in the beverage industry. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined using the tube standard two-fold dilution method. The growth and adhesive properties of bacterial cells were studied in different culture media, and the cell viability was evaluated using plate count method. Both of the surfactants were effective against the bacterial strain, but the MIC of gemini compound was significantly lower. Both C6 and DTAB exhibited anti-adhesive abilities. Treatment with surfactants at or below MIC value decreased the number of bacterial cells that were able to form biofilm, however, the gemini surfactant was more effective. The used surfactants were also found to be able to eradicate mature biofilms. After 4 h of treatment with C6 surfactant at concentration 10 MIC, the number of bacterial cells was reduced by 91.8%. The results of this study suggest that the antibacterial activity of the gemini compound could make it an effective microbiocide against the spoilage bacteria Asaia sp. in both planktonic and biofilm stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Koziróg
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 171/173, 90-924 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Dorota Kręgiel
- Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Lodz University of Technology, Wolczanska 171/173, 90-924 Lodz, Poland.
| | - Bogumił Brycki
- Laboratory of Microbiocides Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, Umultowska 89b, 61-614 Poznań, Poland.
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Kregiel D, James SA, Rygala A, Berlowska J, Antolak H, Pawlikowska E. Consortia formed by yeasts and acetic acid bacteria Asaia spp. in soft drinks. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2018; 111:373-83. [PMID: 29058139 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-017-0959-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Yeast strains and acetic acid bacteria were isolated from spoiled soft drinks with characteristic flocs as a visual defect. Polymerase chain reaction and amplification of a partial region of the LSU rRNA gene identified the bacteria as Asaia spp. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 region of the 26S rDNA in turn identified the yeast isolates as Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Dekkera bruxellensis and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. The hydrophobicity and adhesion properties of the yeasts were evaluated in various culture media, taking into account the availability of nutrients and the carbon sources. The highest hydrophobicity and best adhesion properties were exhibited by the R. mucilaginosa cells. Our results suggest that Asaia spp. bacterial cells were responsible for the formation of flocs, while the presence of yeast cells may help to strengthen the structure of co-aggregates.
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22
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Mancini MV, Spaccapelo R, Damiani C, Accoti A, Tallarita M, Petraglia E, Rossi P, Cappelli A, Capone A, Peruzzi G, Valzano M, Picciolini M, Diabaté A, Facchinelli L, Ricci I, Favia G. Paratransgenesis to control malaria vectors: a semi-field pilot study. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:140. [PMID: 26965746 PMCID: PMC4787196 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1427-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria still remains a serious health burden in developing countries, causing more than 1 million deaths annually. Given the lack of an effective vaccine against its major etiological agent, Plasmodium falciparum, and the growing resistance of this parasite to the currently available drugs repertoire and of Anopheles mosquitoes to insecticides, the development of innovative control measures is an imperative to reduce malaria transmission. Paratransgenesis, the modification of symbiotic organisms to deliver anti-pathogen effector molecules, represents a novel strategy against Plasmodium development in mosquito vectors, showing the potential to reduce parasite development. However, the field application of laboratory-based evidence of paratransgenesis imposes the use of more realistic confined semi-field environments. METHODS Large cages were used to evaluate the ability of bacteria of the genus Asaia expressing green fluorescent protein (Asaia (gfp)), to diffuse in Anopheles stephensi and Anopheles gambiae target mosquito populations. Asaia (gfp) was introduced in large cages through the release of paratransgenic males or by sugar feeding stations. Recombinant bacteria transmission was directly detected by fluorescent microscopy, and further assessed by molecular analysis. RESULTS Here we show the first known trial in semi-field condition on paratransgenic anophelines. Modified bacteria were able to spread at high rate in different populations of An. stephensi and An. gambiae, dominant malaria vectors, exploring horizontal ways and successfully colonising mosquito midguts. Moreover, in An. gambiae, vertical and trans-stadial diffusion mechanisms were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate the considerable ability of modified Asaia to colonise different populations of malaria vectors, including pecies where its association is not primary, in large environments. The data support the potential to employ transgenic Asaia as a tool for malaria control, disclosing promising perspective for its field application with suitable effector molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberta Spaccapelo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Centro di Genomica Funzionale, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Damiani
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Anastasia Accoti
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Mario Tallarita
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Centro di Genomica Funzionale, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Petraglia
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Paolo Rossi
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Alessia Cappelli
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Aida Capone
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Giulia Peruzzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Centro di Genomica Funzionale, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Matteo Valzano
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Matteo Picciolini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Centro di Genomica Funzionale, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Abdoulaye Diabaté
- Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante (IRSS), Direction Regionale de l'Ouest (DRO), BP 390, Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Luca Facchinelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Centro di Genomica Funzionale, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Irene Ricci
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Guido Favia
- Scuola di Bioscienze e Medicina Veterinaria, Università di Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
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23
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Carretto E, Visiello R, Bardaro M, Schivazappa S, Vailati F, Farina C, Barbarini D. Asaia lannensis bacteremia in a 'needle freak' patient. Future Microbiol 2015; 11:23-9. [PMID: 26674160 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.15.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Asaia has gained much interest lately owing to constant new species discoveries and its role as a potential opportunistic pathogen to humans. Here we describe a transient bacteremia due to Asaia lannensis in a patient with a psychiatric disorder (compulsive self-injection of different substances). Common phenotypic methods of identification failed to identify this organism, and only restriction fragment lenght polymorphism of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene allowed for proper identification. The isolate was highly resistant to most antibiotics. The paper also discusses the currently available medical literature, acknowledges the potential problems linked to the isolation of these strains and proposes an approach to species identification that can be applied in a clinical microbiology laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Carretto
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory - IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Rosa Visiello
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory - IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Marcellino Bardaro
- Clinical Microbiology Laboratory - IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Simona Schivazappa
- Infectious Diseases - IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Francesca Vailati
- Microbiology & Virology Laboratory - Azienda Ospedaliera 'Papa Giovanni XXIII', Bergamo, Italy
| | - Claudio Farina
- Microbiology & Virology Laboratory - Azienda Ospedaliera 'Papa Giovanni XXIII', Bergamo, Italy
| | - Daniela Barbarini
- Virology & Microbiology Laboratory - Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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24
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De Freece C, Damiani C, Valzano M, D'Amelio S, Cappelli A, Ricci I, Favia G. Detection and isolation of the α-proteobacterium Asaia in Culex mosquitoes. Med Vet Entomol 2014; 28:438-442. [PMID: 25387864 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Investigations of microbiota within mosquitoes continue to widen the spectrum of possible symbiont-based applications against vector-borne diseases. In this context, α-proteobacteria of the genus Asaia (Rhodospirillales: Acetobacteraceae) are emerging as possible endosymbiotic candidates, particularly in paratransgenic approaches aimed at interrupting pathogen transmission. Previous studies have shown that Asaia spp. distribution among Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes displayed positive rates of infection in isolated midguts, salivary glands and reproductive tissues. Similarly, Asaia has been detected in Aedes albopictus (Stegomyia albopicta) and Aedes aegypti (Stegomyia aegypti) (Diptera: Culicidae) populations. Within the Culex pipiens complex (Diptera: Culicidae), Asaia infection is still largely unexplored. Here, we summarize a preliminary survey of laboratory-reared Cx. pipiens complex and field-collected Culex quinquefasciatus for the presence of Asaia spp., and present the first identification of Asaia in some of the members of the Cx. pipiens complex and the first description in West African populations of Cx. quinquefasciatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- C De Freece
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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