1
|
Ebani VV, Mancianti F. Entomopathogenic Fungi and Bacteria in a Veterinary Perspective. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10060479. [PMID: 34071435 PMCID: PMC8229426 DOI: 10.3390/biology10060479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Several fungal species are well suited to control arthropods, being able to cause epizootic infection among them and most of them infect their host by direct penetration through the arthropod’s tegument. Most of organisms are related to the biological control of crop pests, but, more recently, have been applied to combat some livestock ectoparasites. Among the entomopathogenic bacteria, Bacillus thuringiensis, innocuous for humans, animals, and plants and isolated from different environments, showed the most relevant activity against arthropods. Its entomopathogenic property is related to the production of highly biodegradable proteins. Entomopathogenic fungi and bacteria are usually employed against agricultural pests, and some studies have focused on their use to control animal arthropods. However, risks of infections in animals and humans are possible; thus, further studies about their activity are necessary. Abstract The present study aimed to review the papers dealing with the biological activity of fungi and bacteria against some mites and ticks of veterinary interest. In particular, the attention was turned to the research regarding acarid species, Dermanyssus gallinae and Psoroptes sp., which are the cause of severe threat in farm animals and, regarding ticks, also pets. Their impact on animal and human health has been stressed, examining the weaknesses and strengths of conventional treatments. Bacillus thuringiensis, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are the most widely employed agents. Their activities have been reviewed, considering the feasibility of an in-field application and the effectiveness of the administration alone or combined with conventional and alternative drugs is reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Virginia Ebani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-050-221-6968
| | - Francesca Mancianti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, viale delle Piagge 2, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Interdepartmental Research Center “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gu X, Zhang N, Xie Y, Zheng Y, Chen Y, Zhou X, Li X, Zhong Z, He R, Yang G. Metarhizium anisopliae CQMa128 regulates antioxidant/detoxification enzymes and exerts acaricidal activity against Psoroptes ovis var. cuniculi in rabbits: A preliminary study. Vet Parasitol 2020; 279:109059. [PMID: 32112975 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae is highly pathogenic toward arthropods. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a commercial formulation of M. anisopliae against P. ovis var. cuniculi in vivo and in vitro and explored the acaricidal mechanism of M. anisopliae by determining the antioxidant/detoxification-related enzymes activities including glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) in mites. The results showed that M. anisopliae had high acaricidal activity against P. ovis var. cuniculi in vitro, in a time- and dose-dependent manner, with 83.33 % mortality at day 9 and a median lethal time (LT50) of 6.10 days after applying 6.14 × 109 conidia/ml of M. anisopliae. In vivo experiments, M. anisopliae achieved 100 % therapeutic effect after 3 days, compared with only 62.21 % for ivermectin. Enzyme assays showed that M. anisopliae significantly upregulated activities of GST, SOD and CAT in Psoroptes mites. The results indicate that M. anisopliae may be an effective biological agent for control of P. ovis var. cuniculi infestations in rabbits and the acaricidal activity may be associated with the changes of enzyme activities of the detoxification and antioxidant system in Psoroptes mites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Gu
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China; Department of Biological Engineering, College of AKsu Vocational And Technical, Xingjiang, 843000, China.
| | - Yue Xie
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Youle Zheng
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Yuhang Chen
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Xiaoying Li
- College of Landscape Architecture and Life Science/Institute of Special Plants, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Yongchuan, Chongqing, 402160, China.
| | - Zhijun Zhong
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Ran He
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Guangyou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao H, Lovett B, Fang W. Genetically Engineering Entomopathogenic Fungi. ADVANCES IN GENETICS 2016; 94:137-63. [PMID: 27131325 DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Entomopathogenic fungi have been developed as environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical insecticides in biocontrol programs for agricultural pests and vectors of disease. However, mycoinsecticides currently have a small market share due to low virulence and inconsistencies in their performance. Genetic engineering has made it possible to significantly improve the virulence of fungi and their tolerance to adverse conditions. Virulence enhancement has been achieved by engineering fungi to express insect proteins and insecticidal proteins/peptides from insect predators and other insect pathogens, or by overexpressing the pathogen's own genes. Importantly, protein engineering can be used to mix and match functional domains from diverse genes sourced from entomopathogenic fungi and other organisms, producing insecticidal proteins with novel characteristics. Fungal tolerance to abiotic stresses, especially UV radiation, has been greatly improved by introducing into entomopathogens a photoreactivation system from an archaean and pigment synthesis pathways from nonentomopathogenic fungi. Conversely, gene knockout strategies have produced strains with reduced ecological fitness as recipients for genetic engineering to improve virulence; the resulting strains are hypervirulent, but will not persist in the environment. Coupled with their natural insect specificity, safety concerns can also be mitigated by using safe effector proteins with selection marker genes removed after transformation. With the increasing public concern over the continued use of synthetic chemical insecticides and growing public acceptance of genetically modified organisms, new types of biological insecticides produced by genetic engineering offer a range of environmentally friendly options for cost-effective control of insect pests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Zhao
- Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - B Lovett
- University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States
| | - W Fang
- Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lacey L, Grzywacz D, Shapiro-Ilan D, Frutos R, Brownbridge M, Goettel M. Insect pathogens as biological control agents: Back to the future. J Invertebr Pathol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2015.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 545] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
5
|
McNair CM. Ectoparasites of medical and veterinary importance: drug resistance and the need for alternative control methods. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 67:351-63. [PMID: 25644683 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite multiple attempts at eradication, many ectoparasites of humans and domestic livestock remain a persistent problem in the modern world. For many years, a range of pesticide drugs including organophosphates, organochlorides and synthetic pyrethroids provided effective control of these parasites; but intensive use of these drugs has led to the evolution of resistance in many target species. This paper aims to review the effectiveness of current control methods and discuss potential alternatives for the long term sustainable control of ectoparasites. KEY FINDINGS Important medical ectoparasites such as scabies mites, head lice and bed bugs present a significant public health problem, and so adequate control methods are essential. Ectoparasites of domestic livestock and farmed fish (for example sheep scab mites, poultry mites and sea lice) are also of concern given the increasing strain on the world's food supply. These parasites have become resistant to several classes of pesticide, making control very difficult. Recently, an increasing amount of research has focussed on alternative control methods such as insect growth regulators, biological control using essential oils or fungi, as well as vaccine development against some ectoparasites of medical and veterinary importance. SUMMARY Drug resistance is prevalent in all of the ectoparasites discussed in this review. A wide variety of alternative control methods have been identified, however further research is necessary in order for these to be used to successfully control ectoparasitic diseases in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carol M McNair
- Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fang W, Azimzadeh P, St. Leger RJ. Strain improvement of fungal insecticides for controlling insect pests and vector-borne diseases. Curr Opin Microbiol 2012; 15:232-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2011.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
7
|
Abstract
Sheep ectoparasiticides, which include the synthetic pyrethroids, the organophosphates, the 'insect'-growth regulators, the formamidines and the spinocyns, enter into the environment primarily through disposal of dip or fleece scours, as well as with contaminated faeces and urine. Due to the large quantities of spent dip, risks associated with environmental contamination are high. Synthetic pyrethroids and organophosphates pose risks to dung, soil and aquatic fauna; concerns over potential ecotoxicity to vertebrates and invertebrates have resulted in the cessation of their use in many countries. There is very little information regarding the ecotoxicity of 'insect'-growth regulators, formamidines or spinocyns, with no studies focussing on sheep. Here, the impact of sheep ectoparasiticides is discussed in terms of their potential to enter into the environment, their toxicity and their impact on ecosystem functioning. Where there are no data for excretion or toxicity of the ectoparasiticides used in sheep production, examples to demonstrate potential impacts are taken from laboratory ecotoxicity tests and the cattle literature, as well on work with foliar insecticides. Future research priorities are suggested to allow assessment of the environmental consequences of sheep ectoparasiticide treatments, which are essential for future sustainable sheep production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S A Beynon
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, England, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Psoroptic mange is one of the most severe skin conditions of sheep. This highly contagious disease is responsible for huge economical losses in many sheep-raising countries. It is also a significant welfare concern. Our understanding of the biology of Psoroptes ovis and of the host-parasite relationship during psoroptic mange made remarkable progress during the last decade. These data combined with the availability of powerful molecular tools have opened new avenues of research. Clearly, there is still a long way to go before a vaccine becomes a reality. Additionally, other diagnostic tools and control methods should be further investigated such as breeding for genetic resistance and the use of biocontrol agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand Jacques Losson
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bd de Colonster 20, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tavassoli M, Pourseyed SH, Ownagh A, Bernousi I, Mardani K. Biocontrol of pigeon tick Argas reflexus (Acari: Argasidae) by entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium Anisopliae (Ascomycota: Hypocreales). Braz J Microbiol 2011; 42:1445-52. [PMID: 24031777 PMCID: PMC3768737 DOI: 10.1590/s1517-838220110004000030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Revised: 02/03/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The pigeon tick Argas reflexus is a pathogen-transmitting soft tick that typically feeds on pigeons, but can also attack humans causing local and systemic reactions. Chemical control is made difficult due to environmental contamination and resistance development. As a result, there is much interest in increasing the role of other strategies like biological control. In this study, the efficacy of three strains (V245, 685 and 715C) of entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae for biological control of three life stages of pigeon tick A. reflexus including eggs, larvae, engorged and unfed adults was investigated under laboratory conditions. Five concentrations of different strains of M. anisopliae ranging from 103 to 107 conidia/ml were used. All fungal strains significantly decreased hatchability of A. reflexus eggs. Strain V245 was the most effective strain on the mortality of larval stage with nearly 100% mortality at the lowest concentration (103 conidia/ml) at 10 days post-inoculation. The mortality rate of both engorged and unfed adult ticks were also increased significantly exposed to different conidial concentrations compared to the control groups (P < 0.05) making this fungus a potential biological control agent of pigeon tick reducing the use of chemical acaricides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mosa Tavassoli
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University , Urmia, West Azarbaijan , Iran
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wall R, Bates P. Sheep scab control using trans-cinnamic acid. Vet Parasitol 2011; 175:129-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2010] [Revised: 08/06/2010] [Accepted: 09/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
11
|
Pourseyed S, Tavassoli M, Bernousi I, Mardani K. Metarhizium anisopliae (Ascomycota: Hypocreales): An effective alternative to chemical acaricides against different developmental stages of fowl tick Argas persicus (Acari: Argasidae). Vet Parasitol 2010; 172:305-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2010] [Revised: 04/28/2010] [Accepted: 05/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
12
|
Rose H, Wall R. Pathogenicity of biological control agents for livestock ectoparasites: a simulation analysis. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2009; 23:379-386. [PMID: 19941603 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2915.2009.00836.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The management of arthropod ectoparasites of livestock currently relies largely on the use of neurotoxic chemicals. However, concerns over the development of resistance, as well as operator and environmental contamination, have stimulated research into alternative approaches to their control, including the use of biological pathogens. The search for suitable pathogens often focuses on identifying the most highly virulent agents for application. However, practical issues such as the ability of a pathogen to penetrate to the skin through hair or wool, tolerance of high skin surface temperatures and high residual activity may mean that the most virulent pathogens are not necessarily the most appropriate for commercial application. Here, a simulation model is constructed and used to highlight a range of key features which characterize suitable pathogens for such application. Sensitivity analysis shows that even a relatively low probability of infection following contact between infectious and susceptible individuals may give acceptable control, providing it is counterbalanced by higher survival of both infected and infectious parasite hosts in order to allow the rate of transmission to exceed the threshold required to suppress parasite population growth. The model highlights the need for studies attempting to identify sustainable biocontrol agents to explore the use of pathogens which have a range of the characteristics that contribute to overall pathogenicity, but which are also most compatible with practical application systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Rose
- Veterinary Parasitology and Ecology Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1UG, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Effects of sheep fleece washings on the germination and growth of Beauveria bassiana. J Invertebr Pathol 2009; 100:79-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2008.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2008] [Revised: 10/16/2008] [Accepted: 11/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
14
|
Lekimme M, Focant C, Farnir F, Mignon B, Losson B. Pathogenicity and thermotolerance of entomopathogenic fungi for the control of the scab mite, Psoroptes ovis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2008; 46:95-104. [PMID: 18584130 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-008-9171-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2007] [Accepted: 06/05/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Psoroptes ovis is responsible for a highly contagious skin condition, both in sheep and cattle. This parasite has a marked economical impact in the sheep and cattle industry. Biological control is considered as a realistic alternative to chemotherapeutic control. Laboratory experiments were carried out to evaluate the pathogenicity and the thermotolerance of twelve isolates of entomopathogenic fungi from four genera (Beauveria Vuillemin, Metarhizium Sorokin, Paecilomyces Bainier and Verticillium Nees). The pathogenicity was evaluated by the survival of P. ovis females after exposure to 10(6) to 10(8) conidia ml(-1) in humidity chambers. Results revealed intra- and interspecies differences. All isolates with the exception of B. bassiana IHEM3558 and V. lecanii MUCL8672 induced 50% mortality within 2 days at the highest concentration. At this concentration the entire mite population became infected with all isolates but B. bassiana IHEM3558; however, only four isolates gave rise to 100% infected cadavers at the lowest concentration. The thermotolerance of each isolate was evaluated by measuring its growth on an artificial medium kept between 25 and 37.5 degrees C. All isolates were able to grow up to 30 degrees C but only two, M. anisopliae IHEM18027 and Paecilomyces farinosus MUCL18885, tolerated temperatures up to 35 degrees C. These two isolates could be considered as good candidates for further use as biopesticide taking into account their virulence and thermotolerance. Other critical factors linked with the implementation of this type of biocontrol in P. ovis infected animals are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Lekimme
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Pathology of Parasitic Diseases B43, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Boulevard de Colonster 20, 4000, Liege, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Evaluation of Metarhizium anisopliae strains as potential biocontrol agents of the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and the cotton stainer Dysdercus peruvianus. FUNGAL ECOL 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.funeco.2008.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
16
|
Isolation of Scopulariopsis spp. fungi from Psoroptes cuniculi body surface and evaluation of their entomopathogenic role. Parasitol Res 2008; 102:957-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-007-0860-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2007] [Accepted: 12/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|