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Ampol R, Somwang P, Khositharattanakool P, Promrangsee C, Pataradool T, Tepboonreung P, Siriyasatien P, Preativatanyou K. Nanopore-Based Surveillance of Leishmania Parasites in Culicoides Latrielle (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Caught from the Affected Community and Tham Phra Cave in Chiang Rai Province, the Endemic Area of Leishmaniasis in Northern Thailand. INSECTS 2024; 15:327. [PMID: 38786883 PMCID: PMC11122411 DOI: 10.3390/insects15050327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
In this research, we elucidated the species composition of Culicoides biting midges, infection prevalence, and genetic diversity of Leishmania parasites circulating in the affected community in Chiang Rai Province, being the most endemic area in Northern Thailand. A total of 146 parous and gravid females, belonging to at least twelve Culicoides species in five subgenera and one species group, were trapped from three collection sites with an overall Leishmania prevalence of 26.7% (39/146). Leishmania was detected, using ITS1-PCR, in C. mahasarakamense (15), C. guttifer (11), C. (Trithecoides) spp. (8), C. jacobsoni (2), C. oxystoma (2), and C. orientalis (1). The evidence of Leishmania infection in these last five species represents new records in Northern Thailand. Given a high infection rate in cavernicolous specimens, this indicates an increased risk of parasite exposure when visiting the cave. Using the nanopore amplicon sequencing, L. martiniquensis was ubiquitously identified in all positives, and more than half of these were also co-infected with L. orientalis. The genetic diversity analysis revealed 13 and 17 unique haplotypes for L. martiniquensis and L. orientalis, respectively. Higher haplotype diversity and relatively low nucleotide diversity were observed in both parasite populations, suggesting recent population divergence. Neutrality tests (Tajima's D and Fu and Li's D) showed to be significantly negative, indicating rapid population growth or a selective sweep. Moreover, dominant haplotypes of both Leishmania species were 100% identical to those in all leishmaniasis patients previously reported from Northern Thailand, strongly supporting the imperative role of Culicoides spp. in disease transmission. Essentially, this research provides the first entomological surveillance data representing the sympatric existence, transmission dynamics, and genetic complexity of two autochthonous Leishmania (Mundinia) parasites in several Culicoides species in the endemic area of Northern Thailand. This would contribute to a more complete understanding of the epidemiology of vector infection and facilitate the development of vector control programs to effectively reduce the transmission of this neglected tropical disease in endemic areas of Northern Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rinnara Ampol
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (R.A.); (T.P.); (P.S.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Puckavadee Somwang
- Biomedical Technology Research Group for Vulnerable Populations, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; (P.S.); (P.K.)
- School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Pathamet Khositharattanakool
- Biomedical Technology Research Group for Vulnerable Populations, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand; (P.S.); (P.K.)
- School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Chulaluk Promrangsee
- Interdisciplinary Program of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Thanapat Pataradool
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (R.A.); (T.P.); (P.S.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Medical Science Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Piyapat Tepboonreung
- Medical Science Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Padet Siriyasatien
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (R.A.); (T.P.); (P.S.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Kanok Preativatanyou
- Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (R.A.); (T.P.); (P.S.)
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Kar S, Mondal B, Pal A, Mazumdar A. Molecular identification of Culicoides oxystoma and Culicoides actoni vectors of bluetongue virus. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:534-541. [PMID: 37000487 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Bluetongue is a non-contagious viral disease causing significant economic losses throughout the world. The bluetongue vectors Culicoides oxystoma and Culicoides actoni, which play a significant role in the transmission of various pathogens, are distributed across different geographical realms. Adults are minute in size with wide phenotypic variation, so morphology-based species identification is severely constrained by preparatory time and shortage of taxonomic expertise. To make the identification process rapid and effective, a specific primer was designed for the identification of C. actoni based on the multiple sequence alignment of ITS1 sequences of 11 Culicoides species. Along with this, a refined version of existing C. oxystoma specific primer was proposed. The primer sets distinguished C. oxystoma and C. actoni from a pooled sample consisting of other Culicoides species as well as closely related genera such as Forcipomyia and Alluaudomyia. Our findings suggest that the primers were species specific, sensitive and have potential to discriminate vector species C. oxystoma and C. actoni from pooled samples. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first ITS1 sequences generated and submitted in GenBank for Culicoides innoxius, Culicoides shortti, Culicoides palpifer and Culicoides anophelis and the first for Culicoides peregrinus, Culicoides fulvus and C. actoni from India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surajit Kar
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, 713104, West Bengal, India
| | - Biswajit Mondal
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, 713104, West Bengal, India
| | - Arjun Pal
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, 713104, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhijit Mazumdar
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, 713104, West Bengal, India
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Gomontean B, Vaisusuk K, Chatan W, Wongpakam K, Sankul P, Lachanthuek L, Mintara R, Thanee I, Pramual P. Diversity, Abundance and Host Blood Meal Analysis of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from Cattle Pens in Different Land Use Types from Thailand. INSECTS 2023; 14:574. [PMID: 37504581 PMCID: PMC10380999 DOI: 10.3390/insects14070574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Biting midges of the genus Culicoides Latreille are significant pests and vectors that transmit pathogens to humans and other animals. Cattle are among the important livestock that can potentially be severely affected by Culicoides. In this study, we examined the species diversity, abundance, and host blood meal identification of biting midges in cattle pens located in three different land use types: villages, agricultural areas, and the forest edge. A total of 12,916 biting midges were collected, and most of these were from cattle pens located in villages (34%) and agricultural land (52%). Morphological identification revealed 29 Culicoides species. The most common species were C. oxystoma, C. mahasarakhamense, C. peregrinus, and C. shortti; taken together, these species represented >80% of all specimens collected. Despite midges being less numerous (14% of the total collection), cattle pens located near the forest showed greater diversity (23) than those from villages and agricultural areas. More diverse immature habitats and host blood sources from wildlife in nearby forests possibly explain the greater diversity in the cattle pens near the forest edge. Host blood meal analysis revealed that most (65%) biting midges had fed on buffalo despite the fact that this animal was much less numerous than cows or chickens. Relatively larger size and black-colored skin could be factors that make buffalo more attractive to biting midges than other host species. In this study, we also provided 67 DNA barcoding sequences of 13 species, three of which (C. flaviscutatus, C. geminus, and C. suzukii) were first reported from Thai specimens. DNA barcode analysis indicated cryptic diversity within C. hegneri and C. flavescens in Thailand, and thus, further investigation is required to resolve their species status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhuvadol Gomontean
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Kotchaphon Vaisusuk
- Department of Veterinary Technology and Veterinary Nursing, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand
| | - Wasupon Chatan
- Department of Veterinary Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand
| | - Komgrit Wongpakam
- Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Papasara Sankul
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Laksika Lachanthuek
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Ronnalit Mintara
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Isara Thanee
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
| | - Pairot Pramual
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
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Sarkar A, Banerjee P, Kar S, Chatterjee S, Mazumdar A. In vitro biochemical characterization and identification of hemolytic bacteria associated with life history of Culicoides peregrinus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), a vector of bluetongue virus. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023:7133749. [PMID: 37079742 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Gut bacterial communities in insects provide several beneficial roles like nutrition, digestion, fecundity, and survival of the host. The microbial communities of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) vary with parity, developmental stages, and environmental factors. Previous studies have revealed the presence of hemolytic bacteria in adult Culicoides peregrinus Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), an important vector of bluetongue virus (BTV). Our objectives were (i) to identify bacterial communities with hemolytic activities associated with all life stages and (ii) to compare between reared and field-collected adults including age graded females. Bacterial identification followed Sanger sequencing of 16S rRNA. In vitro biochemical characterizations including antibiotic sensitivity tests were also done. The majority of bacterial species were beta hemolytic with one, Alcaligenes faecalis, showing alpha hemolysis. Most bacterial species were observed in field-collected adults except Proteus spp. Throughout the life history of the vector, Bacillus cereus (CU6A, CU1E) and Paenibacillus sp. (CU9G) were detected indicating their possible role in blood digestion within the gut of this vector species. In vivo hemolytic activities of these culturable bacterial communities within this vector may be addressed in future. These hemolytic bacterial communities may be targeted to develop novel and effective strategies for vector control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Sarkar
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, West Bengal 713104, India
| | - Paramita Banerjee
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, West Bengal 713104, India
| | - Surajit Kar
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, West Bengal 713104, India
| | - Soumendranath Chatterjee
- Parasitology and Microbiology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, West Bengal 713104, India
| | - Abhijit Mazumdar
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, West Bengal 713104, India
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First Evidence of Co-Circulation of Emerging Leishmania martiniquensis, Leishmania orientalis, and Crithidia sp. in Culicoides Biting Midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), the Putative Vectors for Autochthonous Transmission in Southern Thailand. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7110379. [PMID: 36422930 PMCID: PMC9696774 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7110379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 1996, autochthonous cases of emerging leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis and Leishmania (Mundinia) orientalis have been more frequently reported, especially in the northern and southern parts of Thailand. However, the accurate identification of their natural vectors and reservoirs remains unconfirmed. Previous studies have suggested that these emerging parasites might be transmitted by other non-phlebotomine vectors. Herein, we speculated that Culicoides biting midges might act as the competent vectors responsible for autochthonous leishmaniasis in southern Thailand. In this research, 187 non-engorged, parous and gravid Culicoides females and 47 blood-engorged ones were trapped from the residences of two recently diagnosed visceral leishmaniasis patients in Sadao District and the unaffected site in Rattaphum District, Songkhla Province, southern Thailand. Species diversity and abundance of biting midges varied among the trapping sites. Using ITS1-PCR and BLASTn analysis, L. martiniquensis was predominantly detected in several Culicoides species, including C. peregrinus, C. oxystoma, C. mahasarakhamense, and C. huffi from the vicinity of patients’ houses; and in C. fordae and C. fulvus from the unaffected site. L. orientalis was also co-circulated in C. peregrinus and C. oxystoma caught near the second patient’s house. Additionally, Crithidia sp. were also detected using SSU rRNA-PCR across Culicoides spp. Host blood meal analysis of eight different Culicoides species from the unaffected site also revealed that all trapped Culicoides had fed on cows and goats, indicating the possible role of these mammalian species as reservoir hosts. Essentially, this study is the first entomological investigation, revealing the co-circulation of emerging trypanosomatids among several species of Culicoides biting midges and strongly supporting the potential role of this insect group as the main vectors responsible for the epidemiology of autochthonous leishmaniasis in southern Thailand.
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Kar S, Mondal B, Ghosh J, Mazumdar SM, Mazumdar A. Host preference of bluetongue virus vectors, Culicoides species associated with livestock in West Bengal, India: Potential relevance on bluetongue epidemiology. Acta Trop 2022; 235:106648. [PMID: 35961406 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Determination of host choice of Culicoides species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), the vectors of bluetongue virus (BTV), is pivotal to ascertain the role of each species in the transmission of pathogens, pest management and enumeration of disease prediction models. Host preference of livestock associated Culicoides midges was investigated in West Bengal, India with four replicates of a 3 × 3 Latin square design during August and September 2021. Adult Culicoides were mouth aspirated from three BTV hosts viz., cattle, sheep and goats. Mouth aspirating was validated by the sweep net collections. The host-baited collections recorded seven Culicoides species; with the highest landing rate on cattle (n = 5,667; 92.9%) followed by sheep (n = 365; 6.0%) and goat (n = 67; 1.1%). Based on the Jacob's selectivity index, all midge species, except for Culicoides fulvus Sen & Das Gupta, encountered, preferred cattle over other mammalian hosts. Culicoides oxystoma Kieffer, the subgenus Trithecoides Wirth & Hubert and Culicoides actoni Smith, predominated on the ventral region (belly/flank) of the cattle. However, Culicoides peregrinus Kieffer and C. actoni were observed to be prevalent in the leg region of sheep. A significantly higher percentage of female (99.9%) with only 0.3% of male were trapped in aspiration based animal baited collections. On the other hand sweep net and light trap catch comprises of 50.7%, 89.7% female and 49.2%, 10.2% male respectively. Surprisingly, DNA based blood meal analysis revealed human blood from the midges trapped in UV-LED light traps. Supplying the first evidence that Culicoides similis Carter, Ingram & Macfie, C. fulvus and Culicoides palpifer Das Gupta & Ghosh, feed on humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surajit Kar
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, West Bengal 713104, India
| | - Biswajit Mondal
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, West Bengal 713104, India
| | - Joydeep Ghosh
- Tata Consultancy Services, Ecospace 2A, AA II, Newtown, West Bengal 700135, India
| | | | - Abhijit Mazumdar
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, West Bengal 713104, India.
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