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Yan R, Abdullah, Ahmed I, Jiang L, Tuliebieke T, Xing Z, Li H, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Tian X, Zhang H. The metabarcoding of Grubs: Traditional herbal medicine of Scarabaeidae larvae. Gene 2024; 910:148303. [PMID: 38401835 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148303] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Grubs, called Qicao in China, have a long tradition as herbal medicine in East Asia. These larvae belong to the diverse family Scarabaeidae and are typically harvested from the wild during their immature stage based on morphological characteristics. However, rapid and accurate identification becomes challenging when relying solely on external morphological features, as the lack of clarity on biological sources raises safety concerns for clinical applications. The application of DNA metabarcoding provides a solution by enabling the determination of the biological source of a large sample. In the current study, we collected 19 batches of Grubs, consisting of 11,539 individuals, from the market and analyzed their biological composition through metabarcoding. We identified 49 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs), 21 of which were Grubs. The 21 ASVs were classified into seven Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) through species delimitation, which revealed that commercially available Grubs are predominantly sourced from Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis, while species of Rutelinae, Anomala, and Holotrichia were also abundant in some commercial batches. Among the identified ASVs, 28 belonged to non-Grub species and indicated adulteration from different animal families; high abundances of these ASVs were detected for Bombycidae, Tabanidae, and Viviparidae. Our findings underscore the complexity of Grubs' species composition and advocate for a deeper understanding of the wildlife sources contributing to herbal products. This research contributes valuable insights into the molecular identification of Grubs, paving the way for enhanced quality assurance in traditional medicine applications to provide safe and effective medicines for humanity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rushan Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Abdullah
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Ibrar Ahmed
- Alpha Genomics Private Limited, Islamabad 45710, Pakistan; Microbiological Analysis Team, Group for Biometrology, Korea Research Institute of Standards Band Science (KRISS), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Lu Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Economic and Applied Entomology of Liaoning Province, College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang Liaoning, 110866, China.
| | - Tenukeguli Tuliebieke
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Zhimei Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Yue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Tingting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Xiaoxuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Huanyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
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Schaffner F, Silaghi C, Verhulst NO, Depaquit J, Mathis A. The Phlebotomine sand fly fauna of Switzerland revisited. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 38:13-22. [PMID: 37642138 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae; Newstead, 1911) are widespread in Europe, being particularly common in the Mediterranean region but rare north of the Alps. Thus, Switzerland is an opportune place to investigate the sand fly fauna on both sides of the Alpine crest, in southern sub-Mediterranean climate and northern oceanic temperate climate. We reinvestigated the Swiss sand fly fauna with the aim to assess changes in composition, altitudinal distribution, abundance and seasonality. Thirty-eight sites were investigated with light traps and/or interception sticky traps in 4 years. Ninety and 380 specimens were caught by light traps and sticky traps, respectively, at 15 collecting sites. Four species were identified. Phlebotomus mascittii (Grassi, 1908), Phlebotomus perniciosus (Newstead, 1911) and Sergentomyia minuta (Rondani, 1843) were confirmed in Ticino, and P. mascittii for the first time in neighbouring Grisons. Also, Phlebotomus neglectus (Tonnoir, 1921) is for the first time reported, though at a very low density compared to P. perniciosus at the same site. Its presence in Ticino supports the northward spread observed in Italy. Sand flies were detected north of the Alps at one site only, endorsing a historical report. Overall, the low density of P. perniciosus and very low density of P. neglectus suggest that canine leishmaniosis may not be an important disease risk in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Schaffner
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse and Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Silaghi
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse and Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Infectology (IMED), Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Niels O Verhulst
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse and Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jérôme Depaquit
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, EA7510 ESCAPE, ANSES, USC "Pathogènes-Environnement-Toxoplasme-Arthropodes-Réservoirs-bioDiversité (PETARD)", Reims, France
| | - Alexander Mathis
- National Centre for Vector Entomology, Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse and Medical Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Maia C. Sand fly-borne diseases in Europe: epidemiological overview and potential triggers for their emergence and re-emergence. J Comp Pathol 2024; 209:6-12. [PMID: 38320331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2024.01.001] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) are vectors of human and animal pathogens, including Leishmania species protozoan parasites and viruses of the genus Phlebovirus. In Europe, visceral zoonotic leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum, a deadly disease when left untreated, is endemic in southern countries, and dogs are the main reservoir hosts for human infection. Most phleboviruses cause asymptomatic infections or flu-like syndromes in humans, but Toscana phlebovirus can cause meningitis and encephalitis. These diseases are likely to re-emerge, posing a growing threat to public and animal health. Potential triggers include the movement of humans and dogs, increasing numbers of immunosuppressive conditions, climate change and other human-mediated environmental changes. An overview of the main epidemiological characteristics of the pathogens transmitted by sand flies in Europe and the potential triggers involved in their emergence and re-emergence are reviewed here. There is a need to implement mandatory notification of human and canine leishmaniases and human phleboviruses and coordinated epidemiological surveillance programmes at a European level, and to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and citizens about sand fly-borne diseases, following a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Maia
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Rua da Junqueira, 100, 1348-009, Lisboa, Portugal.
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Kniha E, Dvořák V, Koblmüller S, Prudhomme J, Ivović V, Hoxha I, Oerther S, Heitmann A, Lühken R, Bañuls AL, Sereno D, Michelutti A, Toniolo F, Alarcón-Elbal PM, Bravo-Barriga D, González MA, Lucientes J, Colella V, Otranto D, Bezerra-Santos MA, Kunz G, Obwaller AG, Depaquit J, Alić A, Kasap OE, Alten B, Omeragic J, Volf P, Walochnik J, Sebestyén V, Trájer AJ. Reconstructing the post-glacial spread of the sand fly Phlebotomus mascittii Grassi, 1908 (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Europe. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1244. [PMID: 38066195 PMCID: PMC10709326 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05616-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) are the principal vectors of Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). In Central Europe, Phlebotomus mascittii is the predominant species, but largely understudied. To better understand factors driving its current distribution, we infer patterns of genetic diversity by testing for signals of population expansion based on two mitochondrial genes and model current and past climate and habitat suitability for seven post-glacial maximum periods, taking 19 climatic variables into account. Consequently, we elucidate their connections by environmental-geographical network analysis. Most analyzed populations share a main haplotype tracing back to a single glacial maximum refuge area on the Mediterranean coasts of South France, which is supported by network analysis. The rapid range expansion of Ph. mascittii likely started in the early mid-Holocene epoch until today and its spread possibly followed two routes. The first one was through northern France to Germany and then Belgium, and the second across the Ligurian coast through present-day Slovenia to Austria, toward the northern Balkans. Here we present a combined approach to reveal glacial refugia and post-glacial spread of Ph. mascittii and observed discrepancies between the modelled and the current known distribution might reveal yet overlooked populations and potential further spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Kniha
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Vít Dvořák
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Jorian Prudhomme
- UMR MIVEGEC (Université de Montpellier-IRD-CNRS), Institute of Research for Development, Montpellier, France
- INTHERES, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, ENVT, Toulouse, France
| | - Vladimir Ivović
- Department of Biodiversity, FAMNIT, University of Primorska, Koper-Capodistria, Slovenia
| | - Ina Hoxha
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Oerther
- Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Mosquito Control Association (KABS), Speyer, Germany
- Institute for Dipterology (IfD), Speyer, Germany
| | - Anna Heitmann
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Research Group Vector Control, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anne-Laure Bañuls
- UMR MIVEGEC (Université de Montpellier-IRD-CNRS), Institute of Research for Development, Montpellier, France
| | - Denis Sereno
- UMR MIVEGEC (Université de Montpellier-IRD-CNRS), Institute of Research for Development, Montpellier, France
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Université de Montpellier, UMR INTERTRYP, Parasite Infectiology and Public Health Research group. IRD, CIRAD, Montpellier, France
| | - Alice Michelutti
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Micology and Medical Entomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Federica Toniolo
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Micology and Medical Entomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Pedro M Alarcón-Elbal
- Departamento de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, Valencia, Spain
- Laboratorio de investigación de Entomología, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Bloque B, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Department of Animal Health, Animal Health and Zoonosis Research Group (GISAZ), UIC Zoonosis and Emerging Diseases (ENZOEM), University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Mikel A González
- Department of Animal Production and Health, Veterinary Public Health and Food Science and Technology (PASAPTA), Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Group, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Javier Lucientes
- Animal Health Department, The AgriFood Institute of Aragon (IA2), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Vito Colella
- Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | | | - Gernot Kunz
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Adelheid G Obwaller
- Division of Science, Research and Development, Federal Ministry of Defence, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jerome Depaquit
- Université de Reims Champagne Ardenne, ESCAPE EA7510, USC ANSES VECPAR, SFR Cap Santé, UFR de Pharmacie, Reims, France
| | - Amer Alić
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ozge Erisoz Kasap
- Department of Biology, Ecology Section, Faculty of Science, VERG Laboratories, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bulent Alten
- Department of Biology, Ecology Section, Faculty of Science, VERG Laboratories, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jasmin Omeragic
- Department of Pathobiology and Epidemiology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Viktor Sebestyén
- University of Pannonia, Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Attila J Trájer
- University of Pannonia, Sustainability Solutions Research Lab, Veszprém, Hungary.
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Benallal KE, Garni R, Harrat Z, Volf P, Dvorak V. Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) of the Maghreb region: A systematic review of distribution, morphology, and role in the transmission of the pathogens. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0009952. [PMID: 34990451 PMCID: PMC8735671 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are important vectors of various human and animal pathogens such as Bartonella bacilliformis, Phlebovirus, and parasitic protozoa of the genus Leishmania, causative agent of leishmaniases that account among most significant vector-borne diseases. The Maghreb countries Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya occupy a vast area of North Africa and belong to most affected regions by these diseases. Locally varying climatic and ecological conditions support diverse sand fly fauna that includes many proven or suspected vectors. The aim of this review is to summarize often fragmented information and to provide an updated list of sand fly species of the Maghreb region with illustration of species-specific morphological features and maps of their reported distribution. MATERIALS AND METHODS The literature search focused on scholar databases to review information on the sand fly species distribution and their role in the disease transmissions in Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, surveying sources from the period between 1900 and 2020. Reported distribution of each species was collated using Google Earth, and distribution maps were drawn using ArcGIS software. Morphological illustrations were compiled from various published sources. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS In total, 32 species of the genera Phlebotomus (Ph.) and Sergentomyia (Se.) were reported in the Maghreb region (15 from Libya, 18 from Tunisia, 23 from Morocco, 24 from Algeria, and 9 from Mauritania). Phlebotomus mariae and Se. africana subsp. asiatica were recorded only in Morocco, Ph. mascitti, Se. hirtus, and Se. tiberiadis only in Algeria, whereas Ph. duboscqi, Se. dubia, Se. africana africana, Se. lesleyae, Se. magna, and Se. freetownensis were reported only from Mauritania. Our review has updated and summarized the geographic distribution of 26 species reported so far in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, excluding Mauritania from a detailed analysis due to the unavailability of accurate distribution data. In addition, morphological differences important for species identification are summarized with particular attention to closely related species such as Ph. papatasi and Ph. bergeroti, Ph. chabaudi, and Ph. riouxi, and Se. christophersi and Se. clydei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Eddine Benallal
- Laboratory of Parasitic Eco-Epidemiology and Genetic of Populations, Institut Pasteur of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Rafik Garni
- Laboratory of Parasitic Eco-Epidemiology and Genetic of Populations, Institut Pasteur of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Zoubir Harrat
- Laboratory of Parasitic Eco-Epidemiology and Genetic of Populations, Institut Pasteur of Algiers, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vít Dvorak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Cazan CD, Horváth C, Panait LC, Porea D, Marinov M, Alexe V, Mihalca AD. Seasonal dynamics of Phlebotomus neglectus (Diptera: Psychodidae) in cave microhabitats in Romania and the rediscovery of Sergentomyia minuta (Rondani, 1843) after 50 years. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:476. [PMID: 34526131 PMCID: PMC8442371 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04985-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In a countrywide study aiming to update the knowledge on diversity of sand fly species in Romania, a sand fly population was observed in an isolated system of cave microhabitats. The caves are located in the protected area of Canaraua Fetii, Dobrogea region, southeastern Romania. The highest sand fly diversity was recorded in this area between 1968 and 1970. This work presents a study conducted to estimate the seasonal variation of the sand fly species in correlation with the particular environmental factors of the isolated system of cave microhabitats. Methods Sand flies were collected between May and October 2020 from one trapping site of interest in Canaraua Fetii. The trapping site consisted of a cave entrance. CDC miniature light traps and sticky traps were used to collect insects from the exterior walls of the cave entrance. Species identification of collected sand flies was done using morphological keys. Statistical analysis of the trapping and climatic data was performed. Results From all collected sand flies, 99.7% (818/822) were Phlebotomus neglectus, 0.1% (1/822) Ph. balcanicus and 0.2% (2/822) Sergentomyia minuta. Sand fly activity was first observed on 2 July and last on 24 September. A monomodal abundance trend was present, with the peak activity between 16 and 17 July. The analysis of the climatic data showed correlations between the total number of captured sand flies and both average temperature and average relative humidity. The total number of collected specimens was statistically higher when CDC miniature light traps were used compared to sticky traps. The number of females on the sticky traps was significantly higher than the number of males on the same trap type. Compared with the sticky traps, significantly more males were collected by CDC miniature light traps. This is the first record of Se. minuta in Romania after 50 years of no records (despite the trapping effort of the last 5 years in the country). Also, Ph. sergenti, previously present in this location, was not found. Conclusions In the investigated natural habitat, the diversity of the sand fly species appears to have changed, with the predominance of Ph. neglectus instead of Ph. balcanicus and Se. minuta (recorded as the two predominant species in 1968–1970). A monomodal abundance trend was observed as in other regions of the country. The sand fly activity in this particular cave microhabitat appears to be longer than in other regions in Romania. Longer sand fly activity increases the zoonotic risk of various pathogenic species’ transmission, with an impact on public health, as sand flies are important insect vectors. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04985-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Daniela Cazan
- Molecular Biology and Veterinary Parasitology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, CDS-9, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cintia Horváth
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Luciana Cătălina Panait
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniela Porea
- Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development, Tulcea, Romania
| | - Mihai Marinov
- Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development, Tulcea, Romania.
| | - Vasile Alexe
- Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development, Tulcea, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Cazan CD, Sándor AD, Erisoz Kasap O, Alten B, Mihalca AD. Sand fly fauna of South-Eastern Romania, with the description of Phlebotomus (Transphlebotomus) simonahalepae n. sp. (Diptera: Psychodidae). Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:448. [PMID: 34488868 PMCID: PMC8420062 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04929-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An entomological study was conducted in the Canaraua Fetii Special Protection Area in the Dobrogea region, South-Eastern Romania. Four sand fly species were recorded at this location between 1968 and 1970: Phlebotomus neglectus, Ph. balcanicus, Ph. sergenti and Sergentomyia minuta. The most abundant sand fly species recorded at that time were Ph. balcanicus and Se. minuta. In the context of a countrywide study to update the sand fly species diversity, we surveyed the same area, recording also a previously unknown Ph. (Transphlebotomus) sp., for which we provide a formal description here. Methods Sand flies were collected between July and August in 2018 and 2019 in three sites from Canaraua Fetii, Dobrogea region, Romania. The general aspect of the landscape is of a canyon (vertical, narrow walls and deep valleys). Species identification was done using both morphological and molecular analyses. Results Out of 645 collected sand flies, 644 (99.8%) were morphologically identified as Ph. neglectus, while one female specimen (0.2%) was assigned to a previously unknown species, belonging to the subgenus Transphlebotomus. The morphological and molecular examination of this specimen showed that it is a previously unknown species which we formally describe here as Phlebotomus (Transphlebotomus) simonahalepae n. sp. Also, Ph. balcanicus, Ph. sergenti, and Se. minuta (previously recorded in this location) were not present. Conclusions The study revealed for the first time the presence of sand flies of the subgenus Transphlebotomus in Romania. Moreover, a new species, Ph. simonahalepae n. sp., was described based on a female specimen, raising the number of species in this subgenus to six. In the investigated natural habitat, the predominant species was Ph. neglectus instead of Ph. balcanicus and Se. minuta (recorded as the predominant species in 1968–1970). Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04929-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Daniela Cazan
- CDS-9: Molecular Biology and Veterinary Parasitology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. .,Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Attila D Sándor
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.,Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ozge Erisoz Kasap
- Department of Biology, Ecology Section, Faculty of Science, VERG Laboratories, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bulent Alten
- Department of Biology, Ecology Section, Faculty of Science, VERG Laboratories, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Șuleșco T, Erisoz Kasap O, Halada P, Oğuz G, Rusnac D, Gresova M, Alten B, Volf P, Dvorak V. Phlebotomine sand fly survey in the Republic of Moldova: species composition, distribution and host preferences. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:371. [PMID: 34289883 PMCID: PMC8293551 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04858-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodiae) in the Republic of Moldova have been understudied for decades. Our study provides a first update on their occurrence, species composition and bloodmeal sources after 50 years. METHODS During 5 seasons (2013-2017), 58 localities from 20 regions were surveyed for presence of sand flies using CDC light traps and manual aspirators. Species identification was done by a combination of morphological and molecular approaches (DNA barcoding, MALDI-TOF MS protein profiling). In engorged females, host blood was identified by three molecular techniques (RFLP, cytb sequencing and MALDI-TOF peptide mass mapping). Population structure of most abundant species was studied by cox1 haplotyping; phylogenetic analyses of ITS2 and cox1 genetic markers were used to resolve relationships of other detected species. RESULTS In total, 793 sand flies were collected at 30 (51.7%) localities from 12 regions of Moldova. Three species were identified by an integrative morphological and molecular approach: Phlebotomus papatasi, P. perfiliewi and Phlebotomus sp. (Adlerius), the first being the most abundant and widespread, markedly anthropophilic based on bloodmeal analyses, occurring also indoors and showing low population structure with only five haplotypes of cox1 detected. Distinct morphological and molecular characters of Phlebotomus sp. (Adlerius) specimens suggest the presence of a yet undescribed species. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed the presence of stable sand fly populations of three species in Moldova that represent a biting nuisance as well as a potential threat of pathogen transmission and shall be further studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Șuleșco
- Laboratory of Entomology, Institute of Zoology, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova.
| | - Ozge Erisoz Kasap
- Department of Biology, Ecology Section, Faculty of Science, VERG Laboratories, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Petr Halada
- BioCeV, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Gizem Oğuz
- Department of Biology, Ecology Section, Faculty of Science, VERG Laboratories, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dimian Rusnac
- Laboratory of Entomology, Institute of Zoology, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
| | - Marketa Gresova
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bulent Alten
- Department of Biology, Ecology Section, Faculty of Science, VERG Laboratories, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vit Dvorak
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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