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McNamara TD, Mosore MT, Urlaub A, Lashley MA, Burkett-Cadena ND, Reeves LE, Martin EM. Culex erraticus (Diptera: Culicidae) utilizes gopher tortoise burrows for overwintering in North Central Florida. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2024; 61:454-464. [PMID: 38217415 PMCID: PMC10936169 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad174] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases represent a significant threat to human and animal health in the United States. Several viruses, including West Nile, Saint Louis encephalitis, and Eastern equine encephalitis are endemic. In humans, the disease is typically detected during the summer months, but not during the winter months. The ability of these viruses to reemerge year after year is still not fully understood, but typically involves persistence in a reservoir host or vector during periods of low transmission. Mosquito species are known to overwinter at different life stages (adults, larvae, or eggs) in manufactured or natural sites. Gopher tortoise burrows are known to serve as refuge for many vertebrate and invertebrate species in pine savannas. In this study, we surveyed the interior of gopher tortoise burrows for overwintering mosquitoes. We identified 4 species (Anopheles crucians s.l., Culex erraticus, Mansonia dyari, and Uranotaenia sapphirina). Cx. erraticus was the most abundant, and its presence and abundance increased in winter months, implying that this species utilized gopher tortoise burrows for overwintering. Bloodfed Cx. erraticus and An. crucians s.l. females were detected. While An. crucians s.l. fed exclusively on the white-tailed deer, Cx. erraticus had a more diverse host range but fed primarily on the gopher tortoise. Tortoises and other long-lived reptiles like the American alligator have been shown to sustain high viremia following West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) infection and therefore could play a role in the maintenance of these viruses. In addition, Cx. erraticus is naturally infected with WNV and is a known bridge vector for EEEV. As such, these overwintering sites may play a role in perpetuating over-winter arboviral activity in Florida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D McNamara
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mba-tihssommah Mosore
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alexander Urlaub
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, USA
| | - Marcus A Lashley
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Nathan D Burkett-Cadena
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, USA
| | - Lawrence E Reeves
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, USA
| | - Estelle M Martin
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Reinhold JM, Halbert E, Roark M, Smith SN, Stroh KM, Siler CD, McLeod DS, Lahondère C. The role of Culex territans mosquitoes in the transmission of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis to amphibian hosts. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:424. [PMID: 37974288 PMCID: PMC10655354 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05992-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquitoes are the deadliest organisms in the world, killing an estimated 750,000 people per year due to the pathogens they can transmit. Mosquitoes also pose a major threat to other vertebrate animals. Culex territans is a mosquito species found in temperate zones worldwide that feeds almost exclusively on amphibians and can transmit parasites; however, little is known about its ability to transmit other pathogens, including fungi. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a topical pathogenic fungus that spreads through contact. With amphibian populations around the world experiencing mass die-offs and extinctions due to this pathogen, it is critical to study all potential modes of transmission. Because Cx. territans mosquitoes are in contact with their hosts for long periods of time while blood-feeding, we hypothesize that they can transmit and pick up Bd. METHODS In this study, we first assessed Cx. territans ability to transfer the fungus from an infected surface to a clean one under laboratory conditions. We also conducted a surveillance study of Bd infections in frogs and mosquitoes in the field (Mountain Lake Biological station, VA, USA). In parallel, we determined Cx. territans host preference via blood meal analysis of field caught mosquitoes. RESULTS We found that this mosquito species can carry the fungus to an uninfected surface, implying that they may have the ability to transmit Bd to their amphibian hosts. We also found that Cx. territans feed primarily on green frogs (Rana clamitans) and bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana) and that the prevalence of Bd within the frog population at our field site varied between years. CONCLUSIONS This study provides critical insights into understanding the role of amphibian-biting mosquitoes in transmitting pathogens, which can be applied to disease ecology of susceptible amphibian populations worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M Reinhold
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- The Fralin Life Science, InstituteVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | | | - Megan Roark
- University of Virginia's College at Wise, Wise, VA, 24293, USA
| | - Sierra N Smith
- Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73072, USA
| | - Katherine M Stroh
- Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73072, USA
| | - Cameron D Siler
- Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 73072, USA
| | - David S McLeod
- Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VA, 24401, USA
| | - Chloé Lahondère
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
- The Fralin Life Science, InstituteVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
- Center of Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
- The Global Change Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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Mora-Rubio C, Ferraguti M, Magallanes S, Bravo-Barriga D, Hernandez-Caballero I, Marzal A, de Lope F. Unravelling the mosquito-haemosporidian parasite-bird host network in the southwestern Iberian Peninsula: insights into malaria infections, mosquito community and feeding preferences. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:395. [PMID: 37915080 PMCID: PMC10619300 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05964-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BAKGROUND Vector-borne diseases affecting humans, wildlife and livestock have significantly increased their incidence and distribution in the last decades. Because the interaction among vectors-parasite-vertebrate hosts plays a key role driving vector-borne disease transmission, the analyses of the diversity and structure of vector-parasite networks and host-feeding preference may help to assess disease risk. Also, the study of seasonal variations in the structure and composition of vector and parasite communities may elucidate the current patterns of parasite persistence and spread as well as facilitate prediction of how climate variations may impact vector-borne disease transmission. Avian malaria and related haemosporidian parasites constitute an exceptional model to understand the ecology and evolution of vector-borne diseases. However, the characterization of vector-haemosporidian parasite-bird host assemblages is largely unknown in many regions. METHODS Here, we analyzed 5859 female mosquitoes captured from May to November in five localities from southwestern Spain to explore the composition and seasonal variation of the vector-parasite-vertebrate host network. RESULTS We showed a gradual increase in mosquito abundance, peaking in July. A total of 16 different haemosporidian lineages were found infecting 13 mosquito species. Of these assemblages, more than 70% of these vector-parasite associations have not been described in previous studies. Moreover, three Haemoproteus lineages were reported for the first time in this study. The prevalence of avian malaria infections in mosquitoes varied significantly across the months, reaching a maximum in November. Mosquito blood-feeding preference was higher for mammals (62.5%), whereas 37.5% of vectors fed on birds, suggesting opportunistic feeding behavior. CONCLUSION These outcomes improve our understanding of disease transmission risk and help tovector control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Mora-Rubio
- Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Ciencias, Avenida de Elvas S/N, 06006, Badajoz, Spain.
| | - Martina Ferraguti
- Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Ciencias, Avenida de Elvas S/N, 06006, Badajoz, Spain.
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación y Cambio Global, Estación Biológica de Doñana, EBD-CSIC, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Seville, Spain.
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sergio Magallanes
- Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Ciencias, Avenida de Elvas S/N, 06006, Badajoz, Spain
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación y Cambio Global, Estación Biológica de Doñana, EBD-CSIC, Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Parasitología, Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Veterinaria, Avda. Universidad S/N, 10003, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Irene Hernandez-Caballero
- Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Ciencias, Avenida de Elvas S/N, 06006, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Alfonso Marzal
- Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Ciencias, Avenida de Elvas S/N, 06006, Badajoz, Spain
- Grupo de Investigaciones en Fauna Silvestre, Universidad Nacional de San Martín, Jr. Maynas 1777, 22021, Tarapoto, Perú
| | - Florentino de Lope
- Departamento de Anatomía, Biología Celular y Zoología, Universidad de Extremadura, Facultad de Ciencias, Avenida de Elvas S/N, 06006, Badajoz, Spain
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Siperstein A, Pomeroy LW, Robare S, Sarko L, Dehus H, Lowmiller T, Fyie L, Meuti ME. Characterizing seasonal changes in the reproductive activity of Culex mosquitoes throughout the fall, winter, and spring in Ohio. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:173. [PMID: 37259107 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05806-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Culex mosquitoes are the primary vectors of West Nile virus (WNV) across the USA. Understanding when these vectors are active indicates times when WNV transmission can occur. This study determined the proportion of female Culex mosquitoes that were in diapause during the fall and winter and when they terminated diapause and began blood feeding in the spring. METHODS Mosquitoes were collected from parks using various traps and/or aspirated from culverts in Franklin County, Ohio, from October to mid-May from 2019 to 2022. Culex mosquitoes were morphologically identified to species, and the ovaries of females were dissected to determine their diapause and parity statuses. RESULTS By early October 2021, roughly 95% of Culex pipiens collected in culverts were in diapause and 98% of Cx. erraticus were in diapause. Furthermore, gravid and blood-fed Culex salinarius, Cx. pipiens, and Cx. restuans were collected in late November in 2019 and 2021 in standard mosquito traps. In the winter of 2021, the proportions of non-diapausing Culex decreased within culverts. The last non-diapausing Cx. erraticus was collected in late December 2021 while the final non-diapausing Cx. pipiens was collected in mid-January 2022, both in culverts. Roughly 50% of Cx. pipiens terminated diapause by mid-March 2022, further supported by our collections of gravid females in late March in all 3 years of mosquito collection. In fact, male mosquitoes of Cx. pipiens, Cx. restuans, and Cx. territans were collected by the 1st week of May in 2022, indicating that multiple species of Culex produced a second generation that reached adulthood by this time. CONCLUSIONS We collected blood-fed and gravid Culex females into late November in 2 of the 3 years of our collections, indicating that it might be possible for WNV transmission to occur in late fall in temperate climates like Ohio. The persistence of non-diapausing Cx. pipiens and Cx. erraticus throughout December has important implications for the winter survival of WNV vectors and our overall understanding of diapause. Finally, determining when Culex terminate diapause in the spring may allow us to optimize mosquito management programs and reduce the spread of WNV before it is transmitted to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alden Siperstein
- Entomology at the Ohio State University, Room 216 Kottman Hall, 2001 Fyffe Dr., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| | - Laura W Pomeroy
- Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
- Translational Data Analytics Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Sydney Robare
- College of Public Health at the Ohio State University, Columbus, USA
| | - Lucas Sarko
- Clarke Global Environmental Products and Services, 2000 Kenton St, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Hannah Dehus
- Entomology at the Ohio State University, Room 216 Kottman Hall, 2001 Fyffe Dr., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Taylor Lowmiller
- College of Nursing at the Ohio State University, 1577 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Lydia Fyie
- Entomology at the Ohio State University, Room 216 Kottman Hall, 2001 Fyffe Dr., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Megan E Meuti
- Entomology at the Ohio State University, Room 216 Kottman Hall, 2001 Fyffe Dr., Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
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Toohey JM, Otero L, Flores Siaca IG, Acevedo MA. Identifying individual and spatial drivers of heterogeneous transmission and virulence of malaria in Caribbean anoles. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.4297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- John M. Toohey
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation University of Florida Gainesville Florida USA
| | - Luisa Otero
- Department of Biology University of Puerto Rico San Juan Puerto Rico USA
| | | | - Miguel A. Acevedo
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation University of Florida Gainesville Florida USA
- Department of Biology University of Puerto Rico San Juan Puerto Rico USA
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Cavany SM, Barbera C, Carpenter M, Rodgers C, Sherman T, Stenglein M, Mayo C, Perkins TA. Modeling cellular co-infection and reassortment of bluetongue virus in Culicoides midges. Virus Evol 2022; 8:veac094. [PMID: 36381232 PMCID: PMC9662319 DOI: 10.1093/ve/veac094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
When related segmented RNA viruses co-infect a single cell, viral reassortment can occur, potentially leading to new strains with pandemic potential. One virus capable of reassortment is bluetongue virus (BTV), which causes substantial health impacts in ruminants and is transmitted via Culicoides midges. Because midges can become co-infected by feeding on multiple different host species and remain infected for their entire life span, there is a high potential for reassortment to occur. Once a midge is co-infected, additional barriers must be crossed for a reassortant virus to emerge, such as cellular co-infection and dissemination of reassortant viruses to the salivary glands. We developed three mathematical models of within-midge BTV dynamics of increasing complexity, allowing us to explore the conditions leading to the emergence of reassortant viruses. In confronting the simplest model with published data, we estimate that the average life span of a bluetongue virion in the midge midgut is about 6 h, a key determinant of establishing a successful infection. Examination of the full model, which permits cellular co-infection and reassortment, shows that small differences in fitness of the two infecting strains can have a large impact on the frequency with which reassortant virions are observed. This is consistent with experimental co-infection studies with BTV strains with different relative fitnesses that did not produce reassortant progeny. Our models also highlight several gaps in existing data that would allow us to elucidate these dynamics in more detail, in particular the times it takes the virus to disseminate to different tissues, and measurements of viral load and reassortant frequency at different temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Cavany
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Carly Barbera
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Molly Carpenter
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Case Rodgers
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Tyler Sherman
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Mark Stenglein
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Christie Mayo
- Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - T Alex Perkins
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
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Reinhold JM, Chandrasegaran K, Oker H, Crespo JE, Vinauger C, Lahondère C. Species-Specificity in Thermopreference and CO 2-Gated Heat-Seeking in Culex Mosquitoes. INSECTS 2022; 13:92. [PMID: 35055936 PMCID: PMC8779787 DOI: 10.3390/insects13010092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Combining thermopreference (Tp) and CO2-gated heat-seeking assays, we studied the thermal preferendum and response to thermal cues in three Culex mosquito species exhibiting differences in native habitat and host preference (e.g., biting cold and/or warm-blooded animals). Results show that these species differ in both Tp and heat-seeking behavior. In particular, we found that Culex territans, which feed primarily on cold-blood hosts, did not respond to heat during heat-seeking assays, regardless of the CO2 concentration, but exhibited an intermediate Tp during resting. In contrast, Cx. quinquefasciatus, which feeds on warm blooded hosts, sought the coolest locations on a thermal gradient and responded only moderately to thermal stimuli when paired with CO2 at higher concentrations. The third species, Cx. tarsalis, which has been shown to feed on a wide range of hosts, responded to heat when paired with high CO2 levels and exhibited a high Tp. This study provides the first insights into the role of heat and CO2 in the host seeking behavior of three disease vectors in the Culex genus and highlights differences in preferred resting temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna M. Reinhold
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (J.M.R.); (K.C.); (H.O.); (C.V.)
| | - Karthikeyan Chandrasegaran
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (J.M.R.); (K.C.); (H.O.); (C.V.)
| | - Helen Oker
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (J.M.R.); (K.C.); (H.O.); (C.V.)
| | - José E. Crespo
- Laboratorio de Entomología Experimental—Grupo de Ecología Térmica en Insectos (GETI), Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución, CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina;
| | - Clément Vinauger
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (J.M.R.); (K.C.); (H.O.); (C.V.)
- The Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Center of Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Chloé Lahondère
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (J.M.R.); (K.C.); (H.O.); (C.V.)
- The Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Center of Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- The Global Change Center, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Burkett-Cadena ND, Day JF, Unnasch TR. Ecology of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in the Southeastern United States: Incriminating Vector and Host Species Responsible for Virus Amplification, Persistence, and Dispersal. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:41-48. [PMID: 34734635 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV; family Togaviridae, genus Alphavirus) is a mosquito-borne pathogen found in eastern North America that causes severe disease in humans and horses. The mosquito Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) (Diptera: Culicidae) is the primary enzootic vector of EEEV throughout eastern North America while several mosquito species belonging to diverse genera serve as bridge vectors. The ecology of EEEV differs between northern and southern foci, with respect to phenology of outbreaks, important vertebrate hosts, and bridge vector species. Active transmission is limited to roughly half of the year in northern foci (New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut), while year-round transmission occurs in the southeastern region (particularly Florida). Multiple phylogenetic analyses indicate that EEEV strains circulating in northern foci are likely transported from southern foci by migrating birds. Bird species that overwinter or migrate through Florida, are bitten by Cs. melanura in late spring, and arrive at northern breeding grounds in May are the most likely candidates to disperse EEEV northward. Available data indicate that common yellowthroat and green heron satisfy these criteria and could serve as virus dispersers. Understanding the factors that drive the phenology of Cs. melanura reproduction in the south and the timing of avian migration from southern foci could provide insight into how confluence of these biological phenomena shapes outbreaks of EEE throughout its range. This information could be used to develop models predicting the likelihood of outbreaks in a given year, allowing vector control districts to more efficiently marshal resources necessary to protect their stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D Burkett-Cadena
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida IFAS, 200 9th Street SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
| | - Jonathan F Day
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida IFAS, 200 9th Street SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
| | - Thomas R Unnasch
- Center for Global Health Infectious Disease Research, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd., Suite 304, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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Erram D, Vincent Black T, Burkett-Cadena N. Host Bloodmeal Source Has No Significant Effect on the Fecundity and Subsequent Larval Development Traits of the Progeny in Culicoides furens Poey (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:2439-2445. [PMID: 33999171 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab085] [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: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Culicoides Latreille species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are insects of significant medical and veterinary importance worldwide because their bites can cause major annoyance, allergic reactions, and/or pathogen transmission to vertebrates, including humans. In this study, we examined the effect of host bloodmeal source on the fecundity and subsequent larval development traits of the progeny of Culicoides furens Poey, a nuisance species in coastal Florida. Field-collected females were fed on two different classes of hosts: birds (chicken) or mammals (human). Fecundity outcomes of the females and larval developmental traits of the progeny were recorded and compared between the two groups. The percentage of females that developed eggs, percentage of gravid females that deposited eggs, number of eggs produced per female, number of eggs deposited per female, egg hatch rates, larval survival rates, time to pupation, pupal sex-ratios, and adult eclosion rates were not significantly different between the two groups. Our results demonstrate that the host bloodmeal source has no significant effect on the fecundity and subsequent larval developmental life-history traits of the progeny in C. furens. Previous studies reported C. furens to be a generalist feeder that shows no host preference for birds or mammals. Collectively, these findings suggest that C. furens is well adapted, not just behaviorally, but also physiologically to efficiently utilize blood meals from avian and mammalian hosts, a quality that offers a major evolutionary advantage to the success of this midge species as a generalist feeder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Erram
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, UF/IFAS, Vero Beach, FL, USA
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Camp JV, Kniha E, Obwaller AG, Walochnik J, Nowotny N. The transmission ecology of Tahyna orthobunyavirus in Austria as revealed by longitudinal mosquito sampling and blood meal analysis in floodplain habitats. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:561. [PMID: 34717742 PMCID: PMC8556901 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05061-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tahyna orthobunyavirus (TAHV) is a mosquito-borne virus that may cause mild flu-like symptoms or neurological symptoms in humans. It is historically associated with floodplain habitats in Central Europe, and the mammalophilic floodwater mosquito, Aedes vexans, is thought to be the principal vector. There are few contemporary reports of TAHV transmission ecology within mosquitoes or their vertebrate hosts, and virus infections are rarely reported (and probably seldom diagnosed). The objectives of this study were to survey the mosquito population for TAHV in three floodwater habitats and describe host usage by the predominant floodwater mosquito species to potentially define TAHV transmission at these foci. Methods We performed longitudinal mosquito sampling along three major rivers in eastern Austria to characterize the mosquito community in floodplain habitats, and tested for the presence of TAHV in pools of mosquitoes. We characterized TAHV rescued from mosquito pool homogenate by sequencing. We surveyed mosquito host selection by analyzing mosquito blood meals. Results We identified TAHV in two pools of Ae. vexans captured along the Leitha River. This mosquito, and other floodwater mosquitoes, used large mammals (red deer, roe deer, wild boar) as their hosts. The sequence of the rescued virus was remarkably similar to other TAHV isolates from the region, dating back to the first isolate of TAHV in 1958. Conclusions In general, we confirmed that TAHV is most likely being transmitted by Ae. vexans, although the precise contribution of vertebrate-amplifying hosts to the ecological maintenance of the virus is unclear. The pattern of host selection matches the estimated exposure of the same large mammal species in the region to TAHV based on a recent serosurvey, but hares were also hosts at the site where TAHV was detected. We also confirm humans as hosts of two floodwater mosquito species, providing a potential mechanism for spillover of TAHV or other mosquito-borne viruses. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-05061-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy V Camp
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .,Center for Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Edwin Kniha
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adelheid G Obwaller
- Division of Science, Research and Development, Federal Ministry of Defense, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Walochnik
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
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11
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Hoyos J, Carrasquilla MC, León C, Montgomery JM, Salyer SJ, Komar N, González C. Host selection pattern and flavivirus screening of mosquitoes in a disturbed Colombian rainforest. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18656. [PMID: 34545162 PMCID: PMC8452662 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98076-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies on the feeding behavior of hematophagous insects, particularly those of medical importance, are relevant for tracking possible pathogen transmission routes and identifying biases in the choice of vertebrates. We evaluated host selection of blood-feeding mosquitoes in a disturbed forest in the Magdalena Medio valley in Colombia from March 2017 to April 2018, after the introduction of Zika virus to the Americas from the 2015-2016 outbreak. We estimated vertebrate diversity and collected blood-engorged female mosquitoes. Genomic DNA/RNA was extracted from the mosquito's abdomen for vertebrate host identification and pathogen detection. We performed conventional PCR and sequencing, using universal primers targeting vertebrate regions of the eukaryotic mitochondrial genome to determine bloodmeal host. Additionally, we tested for the presence of flaviviruses in all mosquito samples with RT-PCR. Based on the identity and quantity of detected bloodmeals, we performed mosquito-vertebrate interaction network analysis and estimated topology metrics. In total, we collected 292 engorged female mosquitoes representing 20 different species. Bloodmeal analyses identified 26 vertebrate species, the majority of which were mammals (N = 16; 61.5%). No flaviviruses of medical importance were detected from the samples. Although feeding patterns varied, network analyses showed a high degree of specialization by mosquitoes and revealed ecological and phylogenetic relationships among the host community. We conclude that host selection or preference by mosquitoes is species specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Hoyos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Research in Tropical Microbiology and Parasitology (CIMPAT), University of Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - María Cristina Carrasquilla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Research in Tropical Microbiology and Parasitology (CIMPAT), University of Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Cielo León
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Research in Tropical Microbiology and Parasitology (CIMPAT), University of Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Joel M Montgomery
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stephanie J Salyer
- Global Epidemiology, Laboratory, and Surveillance Branch, Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nicholas Komar
- Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ft. Collins, CO, USA
| | - Camila González
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Research in Tropical Microbiology and Parasitology (CIMPAT), University of Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
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12
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Mendoza-Roldan JA, Mendoza-Roldan MA, Otranto D. Reptile vector-borne diseases of zoonotic concern. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2021; 15:132-142. [PMID: 34026483 PMCID: PMC8121771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Reptile vector-borne diseases (RVBDs) of zoonotic concern are caused by bacteria, protozoa and viruses transmitted by arthropod vectors, which belong to the subclass Acarina (mites and ticks) and the order Diptera (mosquitoes, sand flies and tsetse flies). The phyletic age of reptiles since their origin in the late Carboniferous, has favored vectors and pathogens to co-evolve through millions of years, bridging to the present host-vector-pathogen interactions. The origin of vector-borne diseases is dated to the early cretaceous with Trypanosomatidae species in extinct sand flies, ancestral of modern protozoan hemoparasites of zoonotic concern (e.g., Leishmania and Trypanosoma) associated to reptiles. Bacterial RVBDs are represented by microorganisms also affecting mammals of the genera Aeromonas, Anaplasma, Borrelia, Coxiella, Ehrlichia and Rickettsia, most of them having reptilian clades. Finally, reptiles may play an important role as reservoirs of arborivuses, given the low host specificity of anthropophilic mosquitoes and sand flies. In this review, vector-borne pathogens of zoonotic concern from reptiles are discussed, as well as the interactions between reptiles, arthropod vectors and the zoonotic pathogens they may transmit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
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13
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Rissmann M, Lenk M, Stoek F, Szentiks CA, Eiden M, Groschup MH. Replication of Rift Valley Fever Virus in Amphibian and Reptile-Derived Cell Lines. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10060681. [PMID: 34072763 PMCID: PMC8228813 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10060681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV) is a zoonotic arthropod-borne virus, which has led to devastating epidemics in African countries and on the Arabian Peninsula. Results of in-vivo, in-vitro and field studies suggested that amphibians and reptiles may play a role as reservoir hosts of RVFV, promoting its maintenance during inter-epidemic periods. To elucidate this hypothesis, we examined two newly established reptile-derived cell lines (Egyptian cobra and Chinese pond turtle) and five previously generated reptile- and amphibian-derived cell lines for their replicative capacity for three low- and high-pathogenic RVFV strains. At different time points after infection, viral loads (TCID50), genome loads and the presence of intracellular viral antigen (immunofluorescence) were assessed. Additionally, the influence of temperatures on the replication was examined. Except for one cell line (read-eared slider), all seven cell lines were infected by all three RVFV strains. Two different terrapin-derived cell lines (Common box turtle, Chinese pond turtle) were highly susceptible. A temperature-dependent replication of RVFV was detected for both amphibian and reptile cells. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate the general permissiveness of amphibian and reptile cell lines to RVFV and propose a potential involvement of terrapins in the virus ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Rissmann
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (M.R.); (F.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Matthias Lenk
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Franziska Stoek
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (M.R.); (F.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Claudia A. Szentiks
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, 10315 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Martin Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (M.R.); (F.S.); (M.E.)
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Insel Riems, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (M.R.); (F.S.); (M.E.)
- Correspondence:
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14
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Modeling host-feeding preference and molecular systematics of mosquitoes in different ecological niches in Canada. Acta Trop 2021; 213:105734. [PMID: 33159902 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Several mosquito-borne viruses (mobovirus) cause infections in Canada. Ecological data on mosquito species and host range in Canada remains elusive. The main aim of the current study is to determine the host range and molecular systematics of mosquito species in Canada. Mosquitoes were collected using BG-Sentinel traps and aspirators at 10 trapping sites in Canada during 2018 and 2019. Mosquitoes collected were identified via morphology and molecular techniques. Mosquito sequences were aligned by MUSCLE algorithm and evolutionary systematics were drawn using MEGA and SDT software. Moreover, the source of blood meals was identified using a DNA barcoding technique. A total of 5,708 female mosquitoes over 34 different taxa were collected. DNA barcodes and evolutionary tree analysis confirmed the identification of mosquito species in Canada. Of the total collected samples, 201 specimens were blood-fed female mosquitoes in 20 different taxa. Four mosquito species represented about half (51.47%) of all collected blood-fed specimens: Aede cinereus (39 specimens, 19.11%), Aedes triseriatus (23, 11.27%), Culex pipiens (22, 10.78%), and Anopheles punctipennis (21, 10.29%). The most common blood meal sources were humans (49 mosquito specimens, 24% of all blood-fed mosquito specimen), pigs (44, 21.5%), American red squirrels (28, 13.7%), white-tailed deers (28, 13.7%), and American crows (16, 7.8%). Here, we present the first analysis of the host-feeding preference of different mosquito species in Canada via molecular techniques. Our results on mosquito distribution and behavior will aid in the development of effective mitigation and control strategies to prevent or reduce human/animal health issues in regards to moboviruses.
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15
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Autochthonous Transmission of West Nile Virus by a New Vector in Iran, Vector-Host Interaction Modeling and Virulence Gene Determinants. Viruses 2020; 12:v12121449. [PMID: 33339336 PMCID: PMC7766443 DOI: 10.3390/v12121449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Using molecular techniques and bioinformatics tools, we studied the vector-host interactions and the molecular epidemiology of West Nile virus (WNV) in western Iran. Mosquitoes were collected during 2017 and 2018. DNA typing assays were used to study vector-host interactions. Mosquitoes were screened by RT-PCR for the genomes of five virus families. WNV-positive samples were fully sequenced and evolutionary tree and molecular architecture were constructed by Geneious software and SWISS-MODEL workspace, respectively. A total of 5028 mosquito specimens were collected and identified. The most prevalent species was Culex (Cx.) pipiens complex (57.3%). Analysis of the blood-feeding preferences of blood-fed mosquitoes revealed six mammalian and one bird species as hosts. One mosquito pool containing non-blood-fed Cx. theileri and one blood-fed Culex pipiens pipiens (Cpp.) biotype pipiens were positive for WNV. A phylogram indicated that the obtained WNV sequences belonged to lineage 2, subclade 2 g. Several amino acid substitutions suspected as virulence markers were observed in the Iranian WNV strains. The three-dimensional structural homology model of the E-protein identified hot spot domains known to facilitate virus invasion and neurotropism. The recent detection of WNV lineage 2 in mosquitoes from several regions of Iran in consecutive years suggests that the virus is established in the country.
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16
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Interactions between the imperiled West Indian manatee, Trichechus manatus, and mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12971. [PMID: 32737372 PMCID: PMC7395156 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69942-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), including those vectored by mosquitoes, have recently been cited as potential emerging health threats to marine mammals. Despite the fully aquatic habits of cetaceans, immunologic exposure to arboviruses including West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis virus has been detected in wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and captive orcas have been killed by West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis virus. Currently, there is no evidence of direct interactions between mosquitoes and marine mammals in nature, and it remains unknown how wild cetaceans are exposed to mosquito-vectored pathogens. Here, we report the first evidence of direct interactions between an aquatic mammal, the West Indian manatee, a federally threatened species, and mosquitoes in nature. Observations of manatees in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA, indicate that mosquitoes of three genera, Aedes, Anopheles, and Culex are able to locate and land on surface-active manatees, and at minimum, penetrate and probe manatee epidermis with their mouthparts. Whether mosquitoes can successfully take a blood meal is not known; however, an arbovirus-infected mosquito can inoculate extravascular host tissues with virus-infected saliva during probing. These observations suggest that it is possible for marine mammals to be exposed to mosquito-vectored pathogens through direct interactions with mosquitoes.
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17
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Rissmann M, Kley N, Ulrich R, Stoek F, Balkema-Buschmann A, Eiden M, Groschup MH. Competency of Amphibians and Reptiles and Their Potential Role as Reservoir Hosts for Rift Valley Fever Virus. Viruses 2020; 12:v12111206. [PMID: 33114178 PMCID: PMC7690770 DOI: 10.3390/v12111206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV) is an arthropod-borne zoonotic pathogen, which is endemic in Africa, causing large epidemics, characterized by severe diseases in ruminants but also in humans. As in vitro and field investigations proposed amphibians and reptiles to potentially play a role in the enzootic amplification of the virus, we experimentally infected African common toads and common agamas with two RVFV strains. Lymph or sera, as well as oral, cutaneous and anal swabs were collected from the challenged animals to investigate seroconversion, viremia and virus shedding. Furthermore, groups of animals were euthanized 3, 10 and 21 days post-infection (dpi) to examine viral loads in different tissues during the infection. Our data show for the first time that toads are refractory to RVFV infection, showing neither seroconversion, viremia, shedding nor tissue manifestation. In contrast, all agamas challenged with the RVFV strain ZH501 carried virus genomes in the spleens at 3 dpi, but the animals displayed neither viremia nor virus shedding. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that amphibians are not susceptible and reptiles are only susceptible to a low extent to RVFV, indicating that both species play, if at all, rather a subordinate role in the RVF virus ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Rissmann
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.R.); (N.K.); (F.S.); (A.B.-B.); (M.E.)
| | - Nils Kley
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.R.); (N.K.); (F.S.); (A.B.-B.); (M.E.)
| | - Reiner Ulrich
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany;
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Franziska Stoek
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.R.); (N.K.); (F.S.); (A.B.-B.); (M.E.)
| | - Anne Balkema-Buschmann
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.R.); (N.K.); (F.S.); (A.B.-B.); (M.E.)
| | - Martin Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.R.); (N.K.); (F.S.); (A.B.-B.); (M.E.)
| | - Martin H. Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.R.); (N.K.); (F.S.); (A.B.-B.); (M.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-38351-7-1163
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18
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Gutiérrez-López R, Bourret V, Loiseau C. Is Host Selection by Mosquitoes Driving Vector Specificity of Parasites? A Review on the Avian Malaria Model. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.569230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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19
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Pruszynski CA, Stenn T, Acevedo C, Leal AL, Burkett-Cadena ND. Human Blood Feeding by Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Florida Keys and a Review of the Literature. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:1640-1647. [PMID: 32447400 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti L. is considered to have a proclivity for feeding on human blood even when other hosts are available. However, few studies have demonstrated host use by this mosquito in the continental United States, where local transmission of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses has been recently documented. This study investigated the bloodmeal sources of female Ae. aegypti in the subtropical city of Key West and the surrounding county in Florida with the goal of identifying preferred hosts. Blood-engorged Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were collected from BG Sentinel traps used as part of a routine surveillance program in the Florida Keys (Monroe County, Florida). Bloodmeal samples were analyzed using PCR assays, sequencing, and comparison with reference sequences in GenBank. Aedes aegypti females from Key West fed predominantly on humans (79.6%) and did not differ statistically from females collected from the rest of the Florida Keys (69.5%). Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae), considered a host generalist, was collected and analyzed from the same sites for comparative purposes. Females of Cx. quinquefasciatus fed predominantly (70.7%) on birds and nonhuman mammals in the Florida Keys, corroborating the validity of molecular assay breadth and demonstrating that given the same group of available hosts Ae. aegypti selects humans. Our results indicated that Ae. aegypti has a high rate of human-biting in a subtropical area within the United States, supporting its role in recent local transmission of dengue and other viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tanise Stenn
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida/IFAS, Vero Beach, Florida, Vero Beach, FL
| | - Carolina Acevedo
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida/IFAS, Vero Beach, Florida, Vero Beach, FL
| | - Andrea L Leal
- Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, Key West, FL
| | - Nathan D Burkett-Cadena
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida/IFAS, Vero Beach, Florida, Vero Beach, FL
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20
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West RG, Mathias DK, Day JF, Acevedo C, Unnasch TR, Burkett-Cadena ND. Seasonal Changes of Host Use by Culiseta melanura (Diptera: Culicidae) in Central Florida. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:1627-1634. [PMID: 32280994 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The mosquito Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) is the primary enzootic vector of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), a zoonotic Alphavirus endemic to eastern North America. In its northern range, Cs. melanura is considered a strict avian biter, transmitting EEEV among susceptible birds in a cycle of enzootic amplification. In its southern range, however, Cs. melanura is more general in host use, feeding heavily upon birds but also reptiles and mammals. The goal of this study was to better understand how host use of Cs. melanura changes throughout the year in Florida, where year-round EEEV transmission is observed. Mosquitoes were sampled in 2018 from nine sites across three central Florida counties. In total, 213 Cs. melanura bloodmeals were identified by PCR consisting of 39 species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. Avian bloodmeals were prominent throughout the year (range = 30-85%), and songbirds were a large portion of identified bloodmeals (37.1%). Reptiles surpassed birds only in spring (April-June), and brown anole (Anolis sagrei Duméril and Bibron, 1837 [Reptilia: Dactyloidae]) was the most commonly detected single host species (22.1% overall). Mammalian bloodmeals were mainly observed in summer, with humans being the most fed on mammal (12.7% overall). This study reveals that in southern foci of EEEV transmission, Cs. melanura host use varies throughout the year with reptiles providing the majority of blood meals in spring (51.3%), and birds are fed on more than other host groups during all other seasons (50.6-70.1%). In addition, feeding on mammals increases during summer months, which may implicate Cs. melanura in epizootic transmission in Florida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G West
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida IFAS, 200 9th Street SE, Vero Beach, FL
| | - Derrick K Mathias
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida IFAS, 200 9th Street SE, Vero Beach, FL
| | - Jonathan F Day
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida IFAS, 200 9th Street SE, Vero Beach, FL
| | - Carolina Acevedo
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida IFAS, 200 9th Street SE, Vero Beach, FL
| | - Thomas R Unnasch
- Global Health Infectious Disease Research Program, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Boulevard, Suite 304, Tampa, FL
| | - Nathan D Burkett-Cadena
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida IFAS, 200 9th Street SE, Vero Beach, FL
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21
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Hermanns K, Marklewitz M, Zirkel F, Overheul GJ, Page RA, Loaiza JR, Drosten C, van Rij RP, Junglen S. Agua Salud alphavirus defines a novel lineage of insect-specific alphaviruses discovered in the New World. J Gen Virol 2020; 101:96-104. [PMID: 31674898 PMCID: PMC7414432 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Alphavirus harbours mostly insect-transmitted viruses that cause severe disease in humans, livestock and wildlife. Thus far, only three alphaviruses with a host range restricted to insects have been found in mosquitoes from the Old World, namely Eilat virus (EILV), Taï Forest alphavirus (TALV) and Mwinilunga alphavirus (MWAV). In this study, we found a novel alphavirus in one Culex declarator mosquito sampled in Panama. The virus was isolated in C6/36 mosquito cells, and full genome sequencing revealed an 11 468 nt long genome with maximum pairwise nucleotide identity of 62.7 % to Sindbis virus. Phylogenetic analyses placed the virus as a solitary deep rooting lineage in a basal relationship to the Western equine encephalitis antigenic complex and to the clade comprising EILV, TALV and MWAV, indicating the detection of a novel alphavirus, tentatively named Agua Salud alphavirus (ASALV). No growth of ASALV was detected in vertebrate cell lines, including cell lines derived from ectothermic animals, and replication of ASALV was strongly impaired above 31 °C, suggesting that ASALV represents the first insect-restricted alphavirus of the New World.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyra Hermanns
- Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marco Marklewitz
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Berlin, Germany.,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama.,Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Florian Zirkel
- Present address: Biotest AG, Dreieich, Germany.,Institute of Virology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Gijs J Overheul
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel A Page
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Jose R Loaiza
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama City, Republic of Panama.,Centro de Biodiversidad y Descubrimiento de Drogas, Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas y Servicios de Alta Tecnología (INDICASAT-AIP), Panama City, Republic of Panama.,Programa Centroamericano de Maestría en Entomología, Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad de Panamá, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Christian Drosten
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ronald P van Rij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Junglen
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Virology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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22
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Tomazatos A, Jöst H, Schulze J, Spînu M, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Cadar D, Lühken R. Blood-meal analysis of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) reveals a broad host range and new species records for Romania. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:79. [PMID: 32066493 PMCID: PMC7027113 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3938-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Culicoides biting midges are potential vectors of different pathogens. However, especially for eastern Europe, there is a lack of knowledge on the host-feeding patterns of this vector group. Therefore, this study aimed to identify Culicoides spp. and their vertebrate hosts collected in a wetland ecosystem. METHODS Culicoides spp. were collected weekly from May to August 2017, using Biogents traps with UV light at four sites in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, Romania. Vectors and hosts were identified with a DNA barcoding approach. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 was used to identify Culicoides spp., while vertebrate hosts were determined targeting cytochrome b or 16S rRNA gene fragments. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed to verify the biting midge identity against other conspecific Palaearctic Culicoides species. A set of unfed midges was used for morphological confirmation of species identification using slide-mounted wings. RESULTS Barcoding allowed the species identification and detection of corresponding hosts for 1040 (82.3%) of the 1264 analysed specimens. Eight Culicoides spp. were identified with Culicoides griseidorsum, Culicoides puncticollis and Culicoides submaritimus as new species records for Romania. For 39 specimens no similar sequences were found in GenBank. This group of unknown Culicoides showed a divergence of 15.6-16.3% from the closest identified species and clustered in a monophyletic clade, i.e. a novel species or a species without reference sequences in molecular libraries. For all Culicoides spp., nine mammalian and 24 avian species were detected as hosts. With the exception of C. riethi (n = 12), at least one avian host was detected for all Culicoides spp., but this host group only dominated for Culicoides kibunensis and the unknown Culicoides sp.. The most common host group were mammals (n = 993, 87.6% of all identified blood sources) dominated by cattle (n = 817, 70.6%). CONCLUSIONS Most Culicoides spp. showed a broad host-feeding pattern making them potential bridge vectors. At the same time, new records of biting midge species for Romania, as well as a potentially unknown Culicoides species, highlight the lack of knowledge regarding the biting midge species and their genetic diversity in eastern Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Tomazatos
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonny Schulze
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marina Spînu
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.,Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Cadar
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany. .,Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.
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23
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Tomazatos A, Jansen S, Pfister S, Török E, Maranda I, Horváth C, Keresztes L, Spînu M, Tannich E, Jöst H, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Cadar D, Lühken R. Ecology of West Nile Virus in the Danube Delta, Romania: Phylogeography, Xenosurveillance and Mosquito Host-Feeding Patterns. Viruses 2019; 11:v11121159. [PMID: 31847345 PMCID: PMC6950446 DOI: 10.3390/v11121159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ecology of West Nile virus (WNV) in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (Romania) was investigated by combining studies on the virus genetics, phylogeography, xenosurveillance and host-feeding patterns of mosquitoes. Between 2014 and 2016, 655,667 unfed and 3842 engorged mosquito females were collected from four sampling sites. Blood-fed mosquitoes were negative for WNV-RNA, but two pools of unfed Culex pipiens s.l./torrentium collected in 2014 were tested positive. Our results suggest that Romania experienced at least two separate WNV lineage 2 introductions: from Africa into Danube Delta and from Greece into south-eastern Romania in the 1990s and early 2000s, respectively. The genetic diversity of WNV in Romania is primarily shaped by in situ evolution. WNV-specific antibodies were detected for 19 blood-meals from dogs and horses, but not from birds or humans. The hosts of mosquitoes were dominated by non-human mammals (19 species), followed by human and birds (23 species). Thereby, the catholic host-feeding pattern of Culex pipiens s.l./torrentium with a relatively high proportion of birds indicates the species’ importance as a potential bridge vector. The low virus prevalence in combination with WNV-specific antibodies indicate continuous, but low activity of WNV in the Danube Delta during the study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Tomazatos
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (A.T.); (S.J.); (I.M.); (E.T.); (H.J.)
| | - Stephanie Jansen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (A.T.); (S.J.); (I.M.); (E.T.); (H.J.)
| | | | - Edina Török
- “Lendület” Landscape and Conservation Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Botany, MTA Centre for Ecological Research, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary;
| | - Iulia Maranda
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (A.T.); (S.J.); (I.M.); (E.T.); (H.J.)
| | - Cintia Horváth
- Department of Clinical Sciences-Infectious Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (M.S.)
| | - Lujza Keresztes
- Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400372 Cluj Napoca, Romania;
| | - Marina Spînu
- Department of Clinical Sciences-Infectious Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (M.S.)
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (A.T.); (S.J.); (I.M.); (E.T.); (H.J.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (A.T.); (S.J.); (I.M.); (E.T.); (H.J.)
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (A.T.); (S.J.); (I.M.); (E.T.); (H.J.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Universität Hamburg, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Cadar
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (A.T.); (S.J.); (I.M.); (E.T.); (H.J.)
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (A.T.); (S.J.); (I.M.); (E.T.); (H.J.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Universität Hamburg, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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24
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Reeves LE, Hoyer I, Acevedo C, Burkett-Cadena ND. Host Associations of Culex ( Melanoconion) atratus (Diptera: Culicidae) and Culex ( Melanoconion) pilosus from Florida, USA. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10080239. [PMID: 31382597 PMCID: PMC6723997 DOI: 10.3390/insects10080239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Characterizing the host-use patterns of mosquitoes is an essential component of understanding the transmission dynamics of mosquito-vectored pathogens. The host associations of two species of the medically important Culex subgenus Melanoconion, Culex atratus, and Culex pilosus are unknown or unclear, respectively. Both species have wide neotropical distributions. In the United States of America (USA), Culex pilosus occurs throughout the southeastern coastal plain, while Culex atratus is restricted to the southern Florida Peninsula. Using PCR-based blood meal analysis, we investigated the host associations of Culex atratus and Culex pilosus that were collected from Everglades National Park, Florida, USA We identified the host species of 208 Culex atratus and 168 Culex pilosus. Both species were narrowly associated with reptilian host species, particularly native and non-native lizards of the genus Anolis. Sampled Culex atratus exclusively fed on reptilian hosts, with >99% of blood meals derived from Anolis lizards. Culex pilosus fed predominantly from reptiles, but avian and mammalian blood meals were also detected. Of these, 92% of blood meals were derived from Anolis species. For both species, Anolis sagrei, an invasive exotic lizard in Florida, was the most frequently detected host species. These data indicate that Culex atratus and Culex pilosus are specialists of reptilian hosts, particularly Anolis lizards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence E Reeves
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA.
| | - Isaiah Hoyer
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
| | - Carolina Acevedo
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
| | - Nathan D Burkett-Cadena
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
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25
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Rizzoli A, Tagliapietra V, Cagnacci F, Marini G, Arnoldi D, Rosso F, Rosà R. Parasites and wildlife in a changing world: The vector-host- pathogen interaction as a learning case. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2019; 9:394-401. [PMID: 31341772 PMCID: PMC6630057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In the Anthropocene context, changes in climate, land use and biodiversity are considered among the most important anthropogenic factors affecting parasites-host interaction and wildlife zoonotic diseases emergence. Transmission of vector borne pathogens are particularly sensitive to these changes due to the complexity of their cycle, where the transmission of a microparasite depends on the interaction between its vector, usually a macroparasite, and its reservoir host, in many cases represented by a wildlife vertebrate. The scope of this paper focuses on the effect of some major, fast-occurring anthropogenic changes on the vectorial capacity for tick and mosquito borne pathogens. Specifically, we review and present the latest advances regarding two emerging vector-borne viruses in Europe: Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and West Nile virus (WNV). In both cases, variation in vector to host ratio is critical in determining the intensity of pathogen transmission and consequently infection hazard for humans. Forecasting vector-borne disease hazard under the global change scenarios is particularly challenging, requiring long term studies based on a multidisciplinary approach in a One-Health framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annapaola Rizzoli
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Valentina Tagliapietra
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Francesca Cagnacci
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marini
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Daniele Arnoldi
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Fausta Rosso
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Roberto Rosà
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38010, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
- Centre Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
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26
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Heym EC, Kampen H, Schäfer M, Walther D. Mosquito bloodmeal preferences in two zoological gardens in Germany. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 33:203-212. [PMID: 30474300 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Because they provide a high density and diversity of vertebrate species, small water pools and shaded environments, zoological gardens offer ideal living conditions for numerous mosquito species. Depending on their host preferences and vector competencies, these species may be able to transmit pathogens between native and non-adapted exotic blood host species, thereby causing morbidity and mortality among valuable zoo animals. To determine the extent to which native mosquito species feed on captive and wild animals, as well as on humans, in two German zoological gardens, mosquitoes were collected over two seasons by trapping and aspirating. A total of 405 blood-fed specimens belonging to 16 mosquito taxa were collected. Genetic bloodmeal analysis revealed 56 host species, mainly representing mammals of the zoo animal population, including exotic species previously not known as blood hosts of the mosquito species collected. These results indicate opportunistic feeding patterns with low host-specificity in the analysed mosquitoes, although these could be grouped, according to their bloodmeals, into 'amphibian-', 'non-human mammal-' and 'non-human mammal and human-' feeding species. As the blood-feeding preferences of vector-competent mosquito species are major determinants of vector capacity, information on the blood-feeding behaviour of mosquitoes in zoos is crucial to the success of targeted vector management.
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Affiliation(s)
- E C Heym
- Land Use and Governance, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Muencheberg, Germany
| | - H Kampen
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich Loeffler Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Germany
| | - M Schäfer
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich Loeffler Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Germany
| | - D Walther
- Land Use and Governance, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Muencheberg, Germany
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27
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Gutiérrez-López R, Martínez-de la Puente J, Gangoso L, Soriguer R, Figuerola J. Effects of host sex, body mass and infection by avian Plasmodium on the biting rate of two mosquito species with different feeding preferences. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:87. [PMID: 30867014 PMCID: PMC6416876 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3342-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens is strongly influenced by the contact rates between mosquitoes and susceptible hosts. The biting rates of mosquitoes depend on different factors including the mosquito species and host-related traits (i.e. odour, heat and behaviour). However, host characteristics potentially affecting intraspecific differences in the biting rate of mosquitoes are poorly known. Here, we assessed the impact of three host-related traits on the biting rate of two mosquito species with different feeding preferences: the ornithophilic Culex pipiens and the mammophilic Ochlerotatus (Aedes) caspius. Seventy-two jackdaws Corvus monedula and 101 house sparrows Passer domesticus were individually exposed to mosquito bites to test the effect of host sex, body mass and infection status by the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium on biting rates. RESULTS Ochlerotatus caspius showed significantly higher biting rates than Cx. pipiens on jackdaws, but non-significant differences were found on house sparrows. In addition, more Oc. caspius fed on female than on male jackdaws, while no differences were found for Cx. pipiens. The biting rate of mosquitoes on house sparrows increased through the year. The bird infection status and body mass of both avian hosts were not related to the biting rate of both mosquito species. CONCLUSIONS Host sex was the only host-related trait potentially affecting the biting rate of mosquitoes, although its effect may differ between mosquito and host species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Gutiérrez-López
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica, Seville, Spain
| | - Laura Gangoso
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
- Present Address: Theoretical and Computational Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- Department of Ethology & Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica, Seville, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica, Seville, Spain
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28
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McGregor BL, Stenn T, Sayler KA, Blosser EM, Blackburn JK, Wisely SM, Burkett-Cadena ND. Host use patterns of Culicoides spp. biting midges at a big game preserve in Florida, U.S.A., and implications for the transmission of orbiviruses. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 33:110-120. [PMID: 30063255 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Culicoides spp. biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of pathogens that have a significant economic impact on the livestock industry. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), a farmed species in the U.S.A., are susceptible to two Culicoides spp. borne orbiviruses: bluetongue virus and epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus. Elucidating host-vector interactions is an integral step in studying disease transmission. This study investigated the host range of Culicoides spp. present on a big game preserve in Florida on which a variety of Cervidae and Bovidae freely roam. Culicoides were captured with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) miniature light traps run twice weekly on the preserve for 18 consecutive months (July 2015-December 2016). Host preference was quantified through forage ratios, based upon PCR-based bloodmeal analysis of Culicoides spp. and overall animal relative abundance on the preserve. Culicoides stellifer preferentially fed on Cervus spp. and fallow deer (Dama dama) and displayed a relative avoidance of Bovidae and white-tailed deer. Culicoides debilipalpis preferred white-tailed deer and avoided all Bovidae. Culicoides pallidicornis and Culicoides biguttatus showed preferences for white-tailed deer and Père David's deer (Elaphurus davidianus), respectively. These results add to current knowledge of preferred hosts of Florida Culicoides spp. and have implications for the spread of orbiviruses. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- B L McGregor
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, U.S.A
| | - T Stenn
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, U.S.A
| | - K A Sayler
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - E M Blosser
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, U.S.A
| | - J K Blackburn
- Department of Geography, Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - S M Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, U.S.A
| | - N D Burkett-Cadena
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, U.S.A
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29
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Talbot B, Caron-Lévesque M, Ardis M, Kryuchkov R, Kulkarni MA. Linking Bird and Mosquito Data to Assess Spatiotemporal West Nile Virus Risk in Humans. ECOHEALTH 2019; 16:70-81. [PMID: 30673905 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-019-01393-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV; family Flaviviridae) causes a disease in humans that may develop into a deadly neuroinvasive disease. In North America, several peridomestic bird species can develop sufficient viremia to infect blood-feeding mosquito vectors without succumbing to the virus. Mosquito species from the genus Culex, Aedes and Ochlerotatus display variable host preferences, ranging between birds and mammals, including humans, and may bridge transmission among avian hosts and contribute to spill-over transmission to humans. In this study, we aimed to test the effect of density of three mosquito species and two avian species on WNV mosquito infection rates and investigated the link between spatiotemporal clusters of high mosquito infection rates and clusters of human WNV cases. We based our study around the city of Ottawa, Canada, between the year 2007 and 2014. We found a large effect size of density of two mosquito species on mosquito infection rates. We also found spatiotemporal overlap between a cluster of high mosquito infection rates and a cluster of human WNV cases. Our study is innovative because it suggests a role of avian and mosquito densities on mosquito infection rates and, in turn, on hotspots of human WNV cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Talbot
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Room 217A, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada.
| | - Merlin Caron-Lévesque
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Room 217A, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Mark Ardis
- GDG Environnement, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Roman Kryuchkov
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Room 217A, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Manisha A Kulkarni
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Room 217A, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z3, Canada
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30
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Talbot B, Ardis M, Kulkarni MA. Influence of Demography, Land Use, and Urban Form on West Nile Virus Risk and Human West Nile Virus Incidence in Ottawa, Canada. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2019; 19:533-539. [PMID: 30615572 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2018.2366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human infection by West Nile virus (WNV; family Flaviviridae), in some cases, develops into a deadly neuroinvasive disease. WNV risk is thought to be influenced by factors affecting the density of species that promote replication and transmission of the virus, namely peridomestic bird and mosquito species. Factors influencing contact between peridomestic bird and mosquito species and contact between infected mosquitoes and vulnerable human populations may also be important in determining WNV risk in an area. Several urban form and demographic factors, such as population density and the proportion of aged housing units, have been linked with increased WNV risk. Other factors, such as proportion of old-growth forest and wetlands, have been linked to decreased WNV risk. In this study, we aimed to test the effect of several demographic, land use, and urban form variables on WNV risk within neighborhoods of the city of Ottawa, Canada, based on the spatiotemporal clustering of infected mosquitoes and human WNV cases. We found a large positive effect of population density and proportion of aged housing units on WNV risk, using both entomological and epidemiological data. Interestingly, we found a large negative effect of proportion of natural areas in our epidemiological analysis, but not in our entomological analysis. Although our epidemiological data set was relatively small, these results suggest entomological surveillance results should be interpreted alongside other factors when investigating risk to humans. Our study is also one of the few to suggest an effect of demography, land use, and urban form on WNV risk in a Canadian urban center, using both entomological and epidemiological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Talbot
- 1 School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark Ardis
- 2 GDG Environnement, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
| | - Manisha A Kulkarni
- 1 School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
Background Different mosquito-borne pathogens are circulating in Iran including Sindbis virus, West Nile virus, filarioid worms and malaria parasites. However, the local transmission cycles of these pathogenic agents are poorly understood, especially because ecological data on vector species are scarce and there is limited knowledge about the host range; this understanding could help to direct species-specific vector control measurements or to prioritize research. Methods In the summers of 2015 and 2016, blood-fed mosquitoes were collected at 13 trapping sites on the coast of the Caspian Sea in northern Iran and at an additional trapping site in western Iran. Mosquitoes were generally collected with either a Biogents Sentinel trap or a Heavy Duty Encephalitis Vector Survey trap installed outside. A handheld aspirator was used at the trapping site in western Iran, in addition to a few samplings around the other trapping sites. On average, eight trapping periods were conducted per trapping site. The sources of blood meals were identified using a DNA barcoding approach targeting the cytochrome b or 16S rRNA gene fragment. Results The source of blood meals for 580 blood-fed mosquito specimens of 20 different taxa were determined, resulting in the identification of 13 different host species (9 mammals including humans, 3 birds and 1 reptile), whereby no mixed blood meals were detected. Five mosquito species represented more than 85.8% of all collected blood-fed specimens: Culex pipiens pipiens form pipiens (305 specimens, 55.7% of all mosquito specimens), Cx. theileri (60, 10.9%), Cx. sitiens (51, 9.3%), Cx. perexiguus (29, 5.3%) and Anopheles superpictus (25, 4.6%). The most commonly detected hosts of the four most abundant mosquito species were humans (Homo sapiens; 224 mosquito specimens, 40.9% of all mosquito specimens), cattle (Bos taurus; 171, 31.2%) and ducks (Anas spp.; 75, 13.7%). These four mosquito species had similar host-feeding patterns. The only exceptions were a relatively high proportion of birds for Cx. pipiens pipiens f. pipiens (23.2% of detected blood meal sources) and a high proportion of non-human mammals for Cx. theileri (73.4%). Trapping month, surrounding area, or trapping method had no statistically significant impact on the observed host-feeding patterns of Cx. pipiens pipiens f. pipiens. Conclusions Due to the diverse and overlapping host-feeding patterns, several mosquito species must be considered as potential enzootic and bridge vectors for diverse mosquito-borne pathogens in Iran. Most species can potentially transmit pathogens between mammals as well as between mammals and birds, which might be the result of a similar host selection or a high dependence on the host availability. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3237-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Egizi A, Martinsen ES, Vuong H, Zimmerman KI, Faraji A, Fonseca DM. Using Bloodmeal Analysis to Assess Disease Risk to Wildlife at the New Northern Limit of a Mosquito Species. ECOHEALTH 2018; 15:543-554. [PMID: 30242538 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-018-1371-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The historically southeastern mosquito species Culex erraticus has over the last 30 years undergone a marked expansion north. We evaluated this species' potential to participate in local disease cycles in the northeastern USA by identifying the vertebrate sources of blood in Cx. erraticus specimens from New Jersey. We found that the majority of bloodmeals (92.6%) were derived from birds, followed by 6.8% from mammals (of which half were human), and a single amphibian bloodmeal from a spring peeper (0.56%). Medium- and large-sized water birds from the order Pelecaniformes made up 60.4% of the bird species and 55.9% of all identified hosts. This group of birds is known enzootic hosts of arboviruses such as eastern equine encephalitis virus, for which Cx. erraticus is a competent vector. Additionally, we screened blooded mosquitoes for avian malaria parasites and identified three different lineages of Plasmodium, including what may represent a new Plasmodium species (likely a wetland bird specialist) in bloodmeals from Green Herons, a Great Egret, and a Double-Crested Cormorant. Our results support the utility of mosquito bloodmeals as sources of information about circulating wildlife pathogens and reveal the potential of range-expanding species to intensify local zoonoses and bridge enzootic pathogens to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Egizi
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Tick-Borne Disease Laboratory, Monmouth County Mosquito Control Division, Tinton Falls, NJ, 07724, USA
| | - Ellen S Martinsen
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, 20013-7012, USA
| | - Holly Vuong
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- National Youth Science Forum, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Kelly I Zimmerman
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA
| | - Ary Faraji
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
- Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District, Salt Lake City, UT, 84116, USA
| | - Dina M Fonseca
- Center for Vector Biology, Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
- Center for Conservation Genomics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, 20013-7012, USA.
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Reeves LE, Gillett-Kaufman JL, Kawahara AY, Kaufman PE. Barcoding blood meals: New vertebrate-specific primer sets for assigning taxonomic identities to host DNA from mosquito blood meals. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006767. [PMID: 30161128 PMCID: PMC6135518 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The transmission dynamics of mosquito-vectored pathogens are, in part, mediated by mosquito host-feeding patterns. These patterns are elucidated using blood meal analysis, a collection of serological and molecular techniques that determine the taxonomic identities of the host animals from which blood meals are derived. Modern blood meal analyses rely on polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, and bioinformatic comparisons of blood meal DNA sequences to reference databases. Ideally, primers used in blood meal analysis PCRs amplify templates from a taxonomically diverse range of vertebrates, produce a short amplicon, and avoid co-amplification of non-target templates. Few primer sets that fit these requirements are available for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, the species identification marker with the highest taxonomic coverage in reference databases. Here, we present new primer sets designed to amplify fragments of the DNA barcoding region of the vertebrate COI gene, while avoiding co-amplification of mosquito templates, without multiplexed or nested PCR. Primers were validated using host vertebrate DNA templates from mosquito blood meals of known origin, representing all terrestrial vertebrate classes, and field-collected mosquito blood meals of unknown origin. We found that the primers were generally effective in amplifying vertebrate host, but not mosquito DNA templates. Applied to the sample of unknown mosquito blood meals, > 98% (60/61) of blood meals samples were reliably identified, demonstrating the feasibility of identifying mosquito hosts with the new primers. These primers are beneficial in that they can be used to amplify COI templates from a diverse range of vertebrate hosts using standard PCR, thereby streamlining the process of identifying the hosts of mosquitoes, and could be applied to next generation DNA sequencing and metabarcoding approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence E. Reeves
- Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman
- Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Akito Y. Kawahara
- McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Phillip E. Kaufman
- Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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Reeves LE, Krysko KL, Avery ML, Gillett-Kaufman JL, Kawahara AY, Connelly CR, Kaufman PE. Interactions between the invasive Burmese python, Python bivittatus Kuhl, and the local mosquito community in Florida, USA. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190633. [PMID: 29342169 PMCID: PMC5771569 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Burmese python, Python bivittatus Kuhl, is a well-established invasive species in the greater Everglades ecosystem of southern Florida, USA. Most research on its ecological impacts focuses on its role as a predator and its trophic interactions with native vertebrate species, particularly mammals. Beyond predation, there is little known about the ecological interactions between P. bivittatus and native faunal communities. It is likely that established populations of P. bivittatus in southern Florida serve as hosts for native mosquito communities. To test this concept, we used mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I DNA barcoding to determine the hosts of blood fed mosquitoes collected at a research facility in northern Florida where captive P. bivittatus and Argentine black and white tegu, Salvator merianae (Duméril and Bibron), are maintained in outdoor enclosures, accessible to local mosquitoes. We recovered python DNA from the blood meals of three species of Culex mosquitoes: Culex erraticus (Dyar and Knab), Culex quinquefasciatus Say, and Culex pilosus (Dyar and Knab). Culex erraticus conclusively (P = 0.001; Fisher's Exact Test) took more blood meals from P. bivittatus than from any other available host. While the majority of mosquito blood meals in our sample were derived from P. bivittatus, only one was derived from S. merianae. These results demonstrate that local mosquitoes will feed on invasive P. bivittatus, a recently introduced host. If these interactions also occur in southern Florida, P. bivittatus may be involved in the transmission networks of mosquito-vectored pathogens. Our results also illustrate the potential of detecting the presence of P. bivittatus in the field through screening mosquito blood meals for their DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence E. Reeves
- Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kenneth L. Krysko
- Division of Herpetology, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Michael L. Avery
- National Wildlife Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman
- Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Akito Y. Kawahara
- McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - C. Roxanne Connelly
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, Florida, United States of America
| | - Phillip E. Kaufman
- Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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Bosco-Lauth AM, Hartwig AE, Bowen RA. Reptiles and Amphibians as Potential Reservoir Hosts of Chikungunya Virus. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:841-844. [PMID: 29313469 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus is an emerging arbovirus of significant human-health concern. Little is known about its sylvatic cycle, including whether ectothermic vertebrates are permissive to infection. In this study, individuals from ten species of reptiles and amphibians were inoculated with chikungunya virus and samples of blood were tested to characterize viremia and seroconversion. Viremia was not detected in cane toads, house geckos, or American alligators, but most of the green iguanas, red-eared sliders, ball and Burmese pythons, leopard frogs, Texas toads, and garter snakes developed viremia. Peak virus titers in serum of up to 4.5, 4.7, and 5.1 log10 plaque-forming units per milliliter were observed for garter snakes, ball pythons, and Texas toads, respectively. These results add to those of other studies that have suggested a possible role for ectothermic vertebrates in the ecology of arbovirus maintenance and transmission in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Bosco-Lauth
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Airn E Hartwig
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Richard A Bowen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Blosser EM, Lord CC, Stenn T, Acevedo C, Hassan HK, Reeves LE, Unnasch TR, Burkett-Cadena ND. Environmental Drivers of Seasonal Patterns of Host Utilization by Culiseta melanura (Diptera: Culicidae) in Florida. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:1365-1374. [PMID: 28874017 PMCID: PMC5850491 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Field studies were carried out in four Florida counties to investigate winter and spring ecology of host use by Culiseta melanura (Coquillet), the primary vector of eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus (EEEV) in North America. Bloodmeal analysis by PCR was used to identify 233 host bloodmeals, which mainly originated from birds (78.5%) and reptiles (17.2%), primarily Anolis spp. lizards. Across counties, the percentage of bloodmeals from reptiles (7-37% depending upon county) increased with increasing day length and temperature in the spring. Multiple logistic regression revealed that differences in reptile host use across collection sites were largely explained by differences in average day length and temperature on the day of collection, and is probably owing to environment-driven behavioral patterns of ectothermic animals. Although past studies have demonstrated reptile biting by epizootic vectors of EEEV, including Culex (Melanoconion) spp., this is the first study to demonstrate widespread and common feeding upon ectothermic hosts by Cs. melanura. This work suggests that reptiles, particularly anole lizards, play a role in the ecology of EEEV in Florida either as amplifying hosts or as noncompetent hosts which dilute vector feedings thereby suppressing transmission. Detailed laboratory studies investigating impacts of environmental variables (temperature and photoperiod) on EEEV competence of anoles are needed to assess whether these animals support virus amplification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik M. Blosser
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida IFAS, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962 (; ; ; ; )
| | - Cynthia C. Lord
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida IFAS, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962 (; ; ; ; )
| | - Tanise Stenn
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida IFAS, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962 (; ; ; ; )
| | - Carolina Acevedo
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida IFAS, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962 (; ; ; ; )
| | - Hassan K. Hassan
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, Global Health Infectious Disease Research Program, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd., Suite 304, Tampa, FL 33612 (; )
| | - Lawrence E. Reeves
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, PO Box 110620, Gainesville, FL 32611 ()
| | - Thomas R. Unnasch
- Department of Global Health, College of Public Health, Global Health Infectious Disease Research Program, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd., Suite 304, Tampa, FL 33612 (; )
| | - Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida IFAS, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962 (; ; ; ; )
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
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Camp JV, Irby WS. Molecular Confirmation of Frogs (Anura) as Hosts of Corethrellidae (Diptera) in the Southeastern United States. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2017; 17:4159291. [PMID: 29117370 PMCID: PMC5779609 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iex068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Flies in the family Corethrellidae Edwards 1932 (Diptera) are known to be attracted to the mating calls of male frogs. For the first time, the hosts of corethrellids were identified to species by analyzing bloodmeals taken from resting female flies. A portion of the cytochrome b gene was amplified and sequenced from blood-engorged flies using vertebrate-specific primers. The flies were collected over 6 yr at two locations in the southeastern United States from resting boxes and natural resting sites (rodent burrows). Potential host abundance focused on frog surveillance, and estimation relied on visual encounters, passive trapping (artificial refugia), and call surveys. This study confirms that corethrellids take blood from tree frogs (Hylidae); however, it was found that true frogs (Lithobates Fitzinger 1843 (Ranidae: Anura) sp.) were the principal host selected by Corethrella brakeleyi (Coquillett 1902) (~73% of identified bloodmeals). These preliminary data suggest that host selection of Corethrella Freeman 1962 sp. is not necessarily correlated with host calling abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy V Camp
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University,
P.O. Box 8042-1, Statesboro, GA 30460
- Current affiliation: Institute of Virology, University of
Veterinary Medicine, Vienna,
Austria
| | - William S Irby
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University,
P.O. Box 8042-1, Statesboro, GA 30460
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Blosser EM, Stenn T, Acevedo C, Burkett-Cadena ND. Host use and seasonality of Culex (Melanoconion) iolambdis (Diptera: Culicidae) from eastern Florida, USA. Acta Trop 2016; 164:352-359. [PMID: 27712940 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Culex (Melanoconion) iolambdis (Dyar, 1918) is a mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) species found throughout much of tropical America, including southern Florida. Relatively few reports are available regarding the ecology of Cx. iolambdis, despite its widespread distribution and putative involvement in transmission of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. To quantify habitat and host utilization, adults of Cx. iolambdis were sampled from resting shelters at a field site in Vero Beach, Florida, over a 12-month period. Culex iolambdis (1109 males, 3072 females) constituted more than half (56.76%) of all mosquitoes sampled (24 species) and was active year-round. Unfed females and gravid females of Cx. iolambdis were significantly more abundant in mangrove habitat, while males and blood-fed females were not. PCR-based bloodmeal analysis of 305 females revealed that Cx. iolambdis has very wide host breadth, feeding on birds (37.0% overall), reptiles (26.6%), amphibians (23.3%) and mammals (13.1%). Green heron (Butorides virescens), Southern leopard frog (Lithobates sphenocephala) and American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) were the most commonly fed upon hosts. Bloodmeals from different host classes varied significantly with season, suggesting that Cx. iolambdis may play a role in the amplification and epidemic transmission of zoonotic arboviruses affecting human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik M Blosser
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 200 9(th) St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
| | - Tanise Stenn
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 200 9(th) St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
| | - Carolina Acevedo
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 200 9(th) St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
| | - Nathan D Burkett-Cadena
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 200 9(th) St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA.
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Victoriano Llopis I, Tomassone L, Grego E, Serrano E, Mosca A, Vaschetti G, Andrade D, Rossi L. Evaluating the feeding preferences of West Nile virus mosquito vectors using bird-baited traps. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:479. [PMID: 27580694 PMCID: PMC5006430 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1744-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The total contact rates (TCRs) between mosquito vectors and their potential hosts have a serious impact on disease transmission dynamics. Culex pipiens (sensu stricto) (s.s.) is considered the main vector of the West Nile Virus (WNV) in Europe and birds are the reservoir hosts. The results of our previous study showed that WNV seroreactors are significantly more prevalent among raptors compared to a range of other wild avian groups. The current study aims to assess the role of bird type (raptor vs others) and bird size on mosquito feeding preferences in a free-choice experiment using bird-baited traps. Methods From July to September 2014, a battery of six bird-baited traps was operated in twelve mosquito capture sessions. Eight bird species, belonging to five different orders, including raptors, were used. After each session, the trapped mosquitoes were collected and identified using standard keys. Two sets of independent generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) were used to assess mosquito vector feeding preferences (MFp) among different bird species and types. Results A total of 304 mosquitoes belonging to seven taxa were collected, C. pipiens being by far the most abundant (84.2 % of the total mosquito catch). Most C. pipiens were engorged (83.59 %). The selected model showed that 25.6 % of the observed variability of MFp is explained by the interaction between bird size and bird type, with C. pipiens preferring to feed on large birds, especially raptors. The proportion of engorged mosquitoes was 1.9-fold higher in large (22.88 %; range 0–42 %) than in medium-sized raptors (11.71 %; range 0–33 %), and was nearly the same in medium-sized (9.08 %; range 0–26 %) and large (8.5 %; 6–24 %) non-raptor species. Conclusion Culex pipiens showed an obvious preference for large raptors, which concurs with the higher seroprevalence to WNV in our previous study. The appreciable feeding by C. pipiens on large raptors makes them useful alternative sentinels to poultry for WNV surveillance. Thus, wildlife parks and rehabilitation centers can contribute to surveillance efforts to a greater extent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Tomassone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Grego
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Emmanuel Serrano
- CESAM, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade de Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.,Servei d' Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departamento de Medicina y Cirugia Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Mosca
- Istituto per le Piante da Legno e l'Ambiente, IPLA spa, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Andrade
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Shepard JJ, Andreadis TG, Thomas MC, Molaei G. Host associations of mosquitoes at eastern equine encephalitis virus foci in Connecticut, USA. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:474. [PMID: 27577939 PMCID: PMC5006286 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1765-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is a highly pathogenic mosquito-borne arbovirus, with active transmission foci in freshwater hardwood swamps in eastern North America, where enzootic transmission is maintained between the ornithophilic mosquito, Culiseta melanura, and wild passerine birds. The role of other locally abundant mosquito species in virus transmission and their associations with vertebrate hosts as sources of blood meals within these foci are largely unknown but are of importance in clarifying the dynamics of enzootic and epidemic/epizootic transmission. Methods Blood-engorged mosquitoes were collected from resting boxes at four established EEEV foci in Connecticut during 2010–2011. Mosquitoes were identified to species, and the identity of vertebrate hosts was determined based on mitochondrial cytochrome b and/or cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene sequences of polymerase chain reaction products. Results The vertebrate hosts of 378 (50.3 % of engorged mosquitoes) specimens, representing 12 mosquito species, were identified. Culiseta morsitans (n = 54; 67.5 %), Culex restuans (n = 4; 66.7 %), and Cx. pipiens (n = 2; 100 %) acquired blood meals exclusively from avian hosts, whereas Aedes cinereus (n = 6; 66.7 %), Ae. canadensis (n = 2; 100 %), and Ae. stimulans (n = 1; 100 %) obtained blood meals solely from mammals. Species that fed opportunistically on both avian and mammalian hosts included: Ae. thibaulti (n = 21 avian, and n = 181 mammalian; 57.2 %), Anopheles punctipennis (n = 8 and n = 40; 44.0 %), An. quadrimaculatus (n = 1 and n = 23; 35.7 %), Coquillettidia perturbans (n = 3 and n = 3; 46.2 %) and Ae. abserratus (n = 1 and n = 2; 23.1 %). Culex territans obtained blood meals from avian and amphibian hosts (n = 18 and n = 5; 26.6 %). Mixed blood meals originating from both avian and mammalian hosts were identified in An. quadrimaculatus (n = 1), and Cx. territans (n = 2). Conclusions Our findings indicate that wood thrush, tufted titmouse, and a few other avian species serve as hosts for mosquitoes, and likely contribute to amplification of EEEV. Our study supports the role of Cs. morsitans in enzootic transmission of EEEV among avian species. Culex territans will seek blood from multiple vertebrate classes, suggesting that this species may contribute to epizootic transmission of the virus. Our findings support roles for Cq. perturbans and An. quadrimaculatus as epidemic/epizootic vectors to humans, horses, and white-tailed deer. Despite its abundance, the potential of Ae. thibaulti to serve as a “bridge vector” for EEEV remains unclear in the absence of any definitive knowledge on its competency for the virus. The contribution of white-tailed deer to the dynamics of EEEV transmission is not fully understood, but findings indicate repeated exposure due to frequent feeding by vector competent mosquito species.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Shepard
- Department of Environmental Sciences, and Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Theodore G Andreadis
- Department of Environmental Sciences, and Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT, 06520-8034, USA
| | - Michael C Thomas
- Department of Environmental Sciences, and Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Goudarz Molaei
- Department of Environmental Sciences, and Center for Vector Biology & Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, P.O. Box 208034, New Haven, CT, 06520-8034, USA.
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Barr KL, Anderson BD, Prakoso D, Long MT. Working with Zika and Usutu Viruses In Vitro. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004931. [PMID: 27541001 PMCID: PMC4991799 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Usutu (USUV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses are emerging arboviruses of significant medical and veterinary importance. These viruses have not been studied as well as other medically important arboviruses such as West Nile (WNV), dengue (DENV), or chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses. As such, information regarding the behavior of ZIKV and USUV viruses in the laboratory is dated. Usutu virus re-emerged in Austria in 2001 and has since spread throughout the European and Asian continents causing significant mortality among birds. Zika virus has recently appeared in the Western Hemisphere and has exhibited high rates of birth defects and sexual transmission. Information about the characteristics of USUV and ZIKV viruses are needed to better understand the transmission, dispersal, and adaptation of these viruses in new environments. Since their initial characterization in the middle of last century, technologies and reagents have been developed that could enhance our abilities to study these pathogens. Currently, standard laboratory methods for these viruses are limited to 2–3 cell lines and many assays take several days to generate meaningful data. The goal of this study was to characterize these viruses in cells from multiple diverse species. Cell lines from 17 species were permissive to both ZIKV and USUV. These viruses were able to replicate to significant titers in most of the cell lines tested. Moreover, cytopathic effects were observed in 8 of the cell lines tested. These data indicate that a variety of cell lines can be used to study ZIKV and USUV infection and may provide an updated foundation for the study of host-pathogen interactions, model development, and the development of therapeutics. Usutu and Zika viruses are arboviruses of significant medical and veterinary outbreaks in recent years. Currently, standard laboratory methods for these viruses are limited to 2–3 cell lines. Here, our studies demonstrate that Zika and Usutu viruses are able to replicate in cells from a wide range of animal cell lines. The data will allow for further study of the potential for evolution of these viruses in other hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli L. Barr
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Benjamin D. Anderson
- Division of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine and Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Dhani Prakoso
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Maureen T. Long
- Department of Infectious Diseases & Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
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Sang Y, Liu Q, Lee J, Ma W, McVey DS, Blecha F. Expansion of amphibian intronless interferons revises the paradigm for interferon evolution and functional diversity. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29072. [PMID: 27356970 PMCID: PMC4928184 DOI: 10.1038/srep29072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferons (IFNs) are key cytokines identified in vertebrates and evolutionary dominance of intronless IFN genes in amniotes is a signature event in IFN evolution. For the first time, we show that the emergence and expansion of intronless IFN genes is evident in amphibians, shown by 24–37 intronless IFN genes in each frog species. Amphibian IFNs represent a molecular complex more complicated than those in other vertebrate species, which revises the established model of IFN evolution to facilitate re-inspection of IFN molecular and functional diversity. We identified these intronless amphibian IFNs and their intron-containing progenitors, and functionally characterized constitutive and inductive expression and antimicrobial roles in infections caused by zoonotic pathogens, such as influenza viruses and Listeria monocytogenes. Amphibians, therefore, may serve as overlooked vectors/hosts for zoonotic pathogens, and the amphibian IFN system provides a model to study IFN evolution in molecular and functional diversity in coping with dramatic environmental changes during terrestrial adaption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongming Sang
- Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, USA
| | - Qinfang Liu
- Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, USA
| | - Jinhwa Lee
- Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, USA
| | - Wenjun Ma
- Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, USA.,Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - D Scott McVey
- Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, USA.,Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Frank Blecha
- Departments of Anatomy and Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, USA
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43
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Börstler J, Jöst H, Garms R, Krüger A, Tannich E, Becker N, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Lühken R. Host-feeding patterns of mosquito species in Germany. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:318. [PMID: 27259984 PMCID: PMC4893232 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1597-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mosquito-borne pathogens are of growing importance in many countries of Europe including Germany. At the same time, the transmission cycles of most mosquito-borne pathogens (e.g. viruses or filarial parasites) are not completely understood. There is especially a lack of knowledge about the vector capacity of the different mosquito species, which is strongly influenced by their host-feeding patterns. While this kind of information is important to identify the relevant vector species, e.g. to direct efficient control measures, studies about the host-feeding patterns of mosquito species in Germany are scarce and outdated. Methods Between 2012 and 2015, 775 blood-fed mosquito specimens were collected. Sampling was conducted with Heavy Duty Encephalitis Vector Survey traps, Biogents Sentinel traps, gravid traps, hand-held aspirators, sweep nets, and human-bait collection. The host species for each mosquito specimen was identified with polymerase chain reactions and subsequent Sanger sequencing of the cytochrome b gene. Results A total of 32 host species were identified for 23 mosquito species, covering 21 mammalian species (including humans) and eleven bird species. Three mosquito species accounted for nearly three quarters of all collected blood-fed mosquitoes: Aedes vexans (363 specimens, 46.8 % of all mosquito specimens), Culex pipiens pipiens form pipiens (100, 12.9 %) and Ochlerotatus cantans (99, 12.8 %). Non-human mammals dominated the host species (572 specimens, 73.8 % of all mosquito specimens), followed by humans (152, 19.6 %) and birds (51, 6.6 %). The most common host species were roe deer (Capreolus capreolus; 258 mosquito specimens, 33.3 % of all mosquito specimens, 65 % of all mosquito species), humans (Homo sapiens; 152, 19.6 %, 90 %), cattle (Bos taurus; 101, 13.0 %, 60 %), and wild boar (Sus scrofa; 116, 15.0 %, 50 %). There were no statistically significant differences in the spatial-temporal host-feeding patterns of the three most common mosquito species. Conclusions Although the collected blood-fed mosquito species had a strong overlap of host species, two different host-feeding groups were identified with mosquito species feeding on (i) non-human mammals and humans or (ii) birds, non-human mammals, and humans, which make them potential vectors of pathogens only between mammals or between mammals and birds, respectively. Due to the combination of their host-feeding patterns and wide distribution in Germany, Cx. pipiens pipiens form pipiens and Cx. torrentium are potentially most important vectors for pathogens transmitted from birds to humans and the species Ae. vexans for pathogens transmitted from non-human mammals to humans. Finally, the presented study indicated a much broader host range compared to the classifications found in the literature for some of the species, which highlights the need for studies on the host-feeding patterns of mosquitoes to further assess their vector capacity and the disease ecology in Europe. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1597-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Börstler
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Garms
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Krüger
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Norbert Becker
- German Mosquito Control Association (KABS), Institute for Dipterology, Speyer, Germany.,University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.
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Bingham AM, Burkett-Cadena ND, Hassan HK, Unnasch TR. Vector Competence and Capacity of Culex erraticus (Diptera: Culicidae) for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in the Southeastern United States. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:473-476. [PMID: 26659606 PMCID: PMC5853673 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Field studies of the ecology of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV; family Togaviridae, genus Alphavirus) in the southeastern United States have demonstrated that Culex erraticus (Dyar and Knab) is the most common mosquito at many enzootic sites and is often infected with the virus. However, the competence of Cx. erraticus for EEEV has not been explored in detail. Culex erraticus females were collected from the field and fed upon EEEV-infected chicks. The infected mosquitoes were provided honey for nutrition and to monitor for time to infectiveness. Of the mosquitoes that survived the 14-d postfeeding period, 89% were infected and 84% had evidence of a disseminated infection, though titers were generally low. EEEV was first detected in honey 6 d postinfection and was detected in samples collected from 94% of the mosquitoes with a disseminated infection overall. These data and others were then employed to estimate the relative vectorial capacity of Cx. erraticus at an EEEV enzootic site in Alabama. The vectorial capacity of Cx. erraticus at this site was 44% of Culiseta melanura (Coquillett), the accepted enzootic vector, suggesting Cx. erraticus may play a role in transmitting EEEV in areas where it is abundant and Cs. melanura rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M. Bingham
- Global Health Infectious Disease Program, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612 (
;
;
)
- Present address: Florida Department of Health, Division of Disease Control and Health Protection, Bureau of Epidemiology, 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A12 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1710
| | - Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena
- University of Florida IFAS, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, 200 9th St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962 (
), and
| | - Hassan K. Hassan
- Global Health Infectious Disease Program, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612 (
;
;
)
| | - Thomas R. Unnasch
- Global Health Infectious Disease Program, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612 (
;
;
)
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45
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Boukraa S, de La Grandiere MA, Bawin T, Raharimalala FN, Zimmer JY, Haubruge E, Thiry E, Francis F. Diversity and ecology survey of mosquitoes potential vectors in Belgian equestrian farms: A threat prevention of mosquito-borne equine arboviruses. Prev Vet Med 2015; 124:58-68. [PMID: 26775817 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Emergence of West Nile Virus was recently recorded in several European countries, which can lead to severe health problems in horse populations. Europe is also at risk of introduction of mosquito-borne equine alphavirus from Americas. Prevention of these arboviruses requires a clear understanding of transmission cycles, especially their vectors. To characterize mosquito fauna, their ecology and identify potential vectors of equine arboviruses in Belgium, entomological surveys of six equestrian farms located in the Wolloon Region were conducted during 2011-2012. The harvest of mosquitoes was based on larval sampling (272 samples from 111 breeding sites) and monthly adults trapping (CO2-baited traps, Mosquito Magnet Liberty Plus). Among 51,493 larvae and 319 adult mosquitoes collected, morphological identification showed the presence of 11 species: Anopheles claviger (Meigen), An. maculipennis s.l. (Meigen), An. plumbeus (Stephens), Culex hortensis (Ficalbi), Cx. territans (Walker), Cx. pipiens s.l. L., Cx. torrentium (Martini), Coquillettidia richiardii (Ficalbi), Culiseta annulata (Schrank), Aedes cantans (Meigen), Ae. geniculatus (Olivier). Molecular identification of Cx. pipiens species complex allowed the detection of three molecular forms, Pipiens (92.3%), Molestus (4.6%) and Hybrid (3.1%). Larvae of Cx. pipiens sl and Cx. torrentium were omnipresent and the most abundant species. Water troughs, ponds and slurry (liquid manure) were the most favorable breeding sites of mosquito larvae. Based upon behavior and ecology of the identified mosquito species, Studied Belgian equestrian farms seem to provide a suitable environment and breeding sites for the proliferation of potential vectors of arboviruses and those being a real nuisance problem for horses and neighboring inhabitants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slimane Boukraa
- Unit of Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium.
| | - Maria A de La Grandiere
- Veterinary virology and animal viral diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, FARAH Center, University of Liège, Quartier Vallée 2, Avenue de Cureghem 10, B43b, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Thomas Bawin
- Unit of Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Fara N Raharimalala
- Medical Entomology Unit, Pasteur Institute, Ambatofotsikely, 101-Antananarivo, Madagascar
| | - Jean-Yves Zimmer
- Unit of Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Eric Haubruge
- Unit of Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Etienne Thiry
- Veterinary virology and animal viral diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, FARAH Center, University of Liège, Quartier Vallée 2, Avenue de Cureghem 10, B43b, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Francis
- Unit of Functional and Evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Passage des Déportés 2, 5030 Gembloux, Belgium
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Burkett-Cadena ND, Bingham AM, Hunt B, Morse G, Unnasch TR. Ecology of Culiseta Melanura and Other Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from Walton County, FL, During Winter Period 2013-2014. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 52:1074-82. [PMID: 26336227 PMCID: PMC4668758 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Winter ecology of putative vectors of eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus (EEEV) in northern Florida was investigated at field locations with evidence of historic EEEV winter transmission. Light traps and resting shelters were used to sample the mosquito community in the vicinity of eight sentinel flocks throughout the winter period (November-April) of 2013 and 2014 in Walton County, FL. Overall mosquito activity was relatively low, although mosquitoes were captured during each week of the study period. Mosquito activity was linked to morning temperature, and females were captured when ambient morning temperatures were quite low (1-5°C). Anopheles crucians Wiedemann, Culex erraticus (Dyar and Knab), Culex territans Walker, and Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) were the most commonly collected mosquito species (of 20 total species). Analysis of blood-engorged mosquitoes revealed a number of mosquito species feeding upon chickens, other birds, amphibians, and domestic and wild mammals. Cs. melanura fed primarily upon chickens and songbirds (Passeriformes), suggesting that this mosquito species is the likely winter vector of EEEV to sentinel chickens in northern Florida. Both resident and nonresident songbird species were fed upon, constituting 63.9 and 36.1% of total songbird meals, respectively. Our results suggest important roles for Cs. melanura and songbird hosts for the winter transmission of EEEV in northern Florida.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea M Bingham
- Department of Global Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Brenda Hunt
- North Walton Mosquito Control District, 129 Montgomery Circle, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
| | - Gary Morse
- North Walton Mosquito Control District, 129 Montgomery Circle, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
| | - Thomas R Unnasch
- Department of Global Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612
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Janssen N, Fernandez-Salas I, Díaz González EE, Gaytan-Burns A, Medina-de la Garza CE, Sanchez-Casas RM, Börstler J, Cadar D, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Jöst H. Mammalophilic feeding behaviour of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes collected in the cities of Chetumal and Cancun, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. Trop Med Int Health 2015; 20:1488-1491. [PMID: 26269379 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The studie describes the blood-feeding behaviour of mosquitoes in Mexico, to understand host-vector relationships and dynamics of disease transmission. METHODS From September 2012 to November 2012 and in November 2013, 911 blood-fed Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes were collected with aspirators inside houses in Chetumal and Cancun. Blood meals were analysed by PCR and subsequent Sanger sequencing of the cytochrome b gene. RESULTS 93.3% of mosquitoes fed on mammals, 6.5% on birds and 0.2% on reptiles. The most frequent vertebrate hosts were humans (65.4%), dogs (23.2%), chicken (5.4%), cattle (2.2%) and cats (1.8%). CONCLUSIONS Cx. quinquefasciatus most frequently fed on humans and dogs in both studied cities, which is in contrast to a previous study that demonstrated lower prevalence of mammalian blood in engorged Cx. quinquefasciatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Janssen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ildefonso Fernandez-Salas
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, Mexico.,Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Tapachula, Mexico
| | - Esteban Eduardo Díaz González
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, Mexico.,Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas Lab, Entomología Médica, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Gaytan-Burns
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, Mexico.,Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas Lab, Entomología Médica, Monterrey, Mexico
| | | | - Rosa María Sanchez-Casas
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, Mexico.,Facultad deMedicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Escobedo, Mexico
| | - Jessica Börstler
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Cadar
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Haemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany.,German Centre for Infection Research, Hamburg, Germany
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48
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Cadar D, Becker N, Campos RDM, Börstler J, Jöst H, Schmidt-Chanasit J. Usutu virus in bats, Germany, 2013. Emerg Infect Dis 2015; 20:1771-3. [PMID: 25271769 PMCID: PMC4193186 DOI: 10.3201/eid2010.140909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
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Hunter FF, Causarano J, Gasparotto A, Giordano BV. Establishment of Culex (Melanoconion) erraticus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Southern Ontario, Canada. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 52:509-512. [PMID: 26334828 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjv018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Culex (Melanoconion) erraticus (Dyar and Knab) is now established in southern Ontario, Canada. This species was first discovered in 2002 during a province-wide adult mosquito surveillance program for West Nile virus. Using CO2-baited CDC miniature light traps, a few Cx. erraticus were collected from 2002 to 2011, but the total number increased during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. The number of Ontario Public Health Units with records for Cx. erraticus has also increased since 2002, demonstrating that the geographic distribution of this species is expanding northward. Cx. erraticus is a potential arboviral bridge vector for a number of pathogens and its establishment in Ontario should be considered a potential public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- F F Hunter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Ave., St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1. Centre for Biotechnology, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Ave, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1. Entomogen Inc., 6 Clark St., St. Catharines ON L2R 5G2.
| | - J Causarano
- Centre for Biotechnology, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Ave, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1
| | - A Gasparotto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Ave., St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1
| | - B V Giordano
- Centre for Biotechnology, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Ave, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1
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Rizzoli A, Bolzoni L, Chadwick EA, Capelli G, Montarsi F, Grisenti M, de la Puente JM, Muñoz J, Figuerola J, Soriguer R, Anfora G, Di Luca M, Rosà R. Understanding West Nile virus ecology in Europe: Culex pipiens host feeding preference in a hotspot of virus emergence. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:213. [PMID: 25888754 PMCID: PMC4411713 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0831-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding wildlife disease ecology is becoming an urgent need due to the continuous emergence and spread of several wildlife zoonotic diseases. West Nile Virus (WNV) is the most widespread arthropod-borne virus in the world, and in recent decades there has been an increase both in geographic range, and in the frequency of symptomatic infections in humans and wildlife. The principal vector for WNV in Europe is the common house Culex pipiens mosquito, which feeds on a wide variety of vertebrate host species. Variation in mosquito feeding preference has been described as one of the most influential parameters driving intensity and timing of WNV infection in the United States, but feeding preferences for this species have been little studied in Europe. METHODS Here, we estimated feeding preference for wild Cx. pipiens in northern Italy, using molecular analysis to identify the origin of blood meals, and avian census to control host abundance variations. Additionally, we used host bird odour extracts to test experimentally mosquito preferences in the absence of environmental variations. RESULTS For the first time, we demonstrate a clear feeding preference for the common blackbird (Turdus merula), both for wild collected specimens and in the lab, suggesting a potential important role for this species in the WNV epidemiology in Europe. A seasonal decrease in abundance of blackbirds is associated with increased feeding on Eurasian magpies (Pica pica), and this may be linked to seasonal emergence of WNV in humans. Feeding preferences on blackbirds are more marked in rural areas, while preference for magpies is higher in peridomestic areas. Other species, such as the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) appear to be selected by mosquitoes opportunistically in relation to its abundance. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide new insights into the ecology of Cx. pipiens in Europe and may give useful indications in terms of implementing targeted WNV surveillance plans. However, a clearer understanding of spatio-temporal variations of Cx. pipiens feeding preferences, and targeted studies on reservoir competence for WNV for these species are therefore now urgently needed as this is essential to describe disease dynamics and quantify virus transmission risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annapaola Rizzoli
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach. 1, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy.
| | - Luca Bolzoni
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach. 1, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy.
- Direzione Sanitaria - Servizio di Analisi del Rischio, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Via dei Mercati 13, 43100, Parma, Italy.
| | - Elizabeth A Chadwick
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Biomedical Science Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, United Kingdom.
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Laboratory of Parasitology - Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro (Padova), Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Laboratory of Parasitology - Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro (Padova), Italy.
| | - Michela Grisenti
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach. 1, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy.
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095, Grugliasco, Torino, Italy.
| | - Josue Martínez de la Puente
- Department of Wetland Ecology Estación Biológica Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Avda. Americo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Joaquin Muñoz
- Department of Wetland Ecology Estación Biológica Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Avda. Americo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Department of Wetland Ecology Estación Biológica Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Avda. Americo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Ramon Soriguer
- Department of Wetland Ecology Estación Biológica Doñana, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, Avda. Americo Vespucio s/n, 41092, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Gianfranco Anfora
- Department of Sustainable Ecosystems and Bioresources, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach. 1, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy.
| | - Marco Di Luca
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Roberto Rosà
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via E. Mach. 1, 38010 San Michele all'Adige, Trento, Italy.
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