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Bravo-Barriga D, González MA, Parreira R, Frontera E, Huerta H, Alarcón-Elbal PM. Shedding light on the controversial taxonomic status of Culicoides jamaicensis and Culicoides paolae (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae): an overseas trip among continents. J Med Entomol 2023; 60:944-954. [PMID: 37335073 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are small bloodsucking flies that act as vectors for various pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. This study aimed to examine, using a comprehensive approach, the controversial taxonomic status of 2 Culicoides species that are currently distributed in the Neotropical (Culicoides jamaicensis Edwards) and Palearctic (Culicoides paolae Boorman) areas and possess unique and distinctive features. Previous investigations based on morphological analysis have suggested that these 2 species may be synonyms. Our work updated the current geographical distribution of both species and analyzed new specimens from different geographic origins, together with publicly available sequences. We used 2 universal genetic markers (COI and 28S) to test this hypothesis. Our study reveals evidence that C. paolae and C. jamaicensis belong to the same species due to the following statements: (i) similar morphological features; (ii) low interspecific genetic variation; (iii) association with a single genetic cluster; (iv) inclusion within the subgenus Drymodesmyia, which has only been recorded in the New World; and (v) occurrence in habitats with moderate temperatures. We recommend that European and African specimens of C. paolae be considered from now on as C. jamaicensis. Our comprehensive approach shed new light on the taxonomic status of these 2 Culicoides species and has implications for future studies on their biology and ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bravo-Barriga
- Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura (Uex), 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | | | - Ricardo Parreira
- Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT) - NOVA University of Lisbon, 1349-008 Lisboa, Portugal
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine (GHTM), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Eva Frontera
- Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Animal Health Department, Veterinary Faculty, University of Extremadura (Uex), 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Herón Huerta
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos, 01480 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Pedro María Alarcón-Elbal
- Laboratorio de investigación de Entomología, Departamento de Zoología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Bloque B, Universidad de Valencia, 46100 Burjasot, Spain
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Sarkar A, Banerjee P, Kar S, Chatterjee S, Mazumdar A. In vitro biochemical characterization and identification of hemolytic bacteria associated with life history of Culicoides peregrinus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), a vector of bluetongue virus. J Med Entomol 2023:7133749. [PMID: 37079742 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Gut bacterial communities in insects provide several beneficial roles like nutrition, digestion, fecundity, and survival of the host. The microbial communities of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) vary with parity, developmental stages, and environmental factors. Previous studies have revealed the presence of hemolytic bacteria in adult Culicoides peregrinus Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), an important vector of bluetongue virus (BTV). Our objectives were (i) to identify bacterial communities with hemolytic activities associated with all life stages and (ii) to compare between reared and field-collected adults including age graded females. Bacterial identification followed Sanger sequencing of 16S rRNA. In vitro biochemical characterizations including antibiotic sensitivity tests were also done. The majority of bacterial species were beta hemolytic with one, Alcaligenes faecalis, showing alpha hemolysis. Most bacterial species were observed in field-collected adults except Proteus spp. Throughout the life history of the vector, Bacillus cereus (CU6A, CU1E) and Paenibacillus sp. (CU9G) were detected indicating their possible role in blood digestion within the gut of this vector species. In vivo hemolytic activities of these culturable bacterial communities within this vector may be addressed in future. These hemolytic bacterial communities may be targeted to develop novel and effective strategies for vector control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Sarkar
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, West Bengal 713104, India
| | - Paramita Banerjee
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, West Bengal 713104, India
| | - Surajit Kar
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, West Bengal 713104, India
| | - Soumendranath Chatterjee
- Parasitology and Microbiology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, West Bengal 713104, India
| | - Abhijit Mazumdar
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, West Bengal 713104, India
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Banerjee P, Sarkar A, Ghosh K, Mazumdar A. A Metagenomic Based Approach on Abundance and Diversity of Bacterial Communities Across the Life Stages of Culicoides peregrinus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) a Vector of Bluetongue Virus. J Med Entomol 2023; 60:373-383. [PMID: 36744984 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
During larval rearing of Culicoides peregrinus Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) it was obligatory to add a small quantity of mud from larval habitat to nutrient broth in culture plates. This initiated microbial growth in rearing plates which facilitated growth and development of immature. The primary aim was to enumerate gut microbial communities across the different life stages of C. peregrinus. Amplicon sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable region (16S rDNA) was done on Illumina Miseq platform to detect gut bacterial communities at different life stages, while ITS regions (18S rRNA) were targeted for fungal communities of the 4th instar larvae. The major findings were: 1) Phylum Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the most abundant throughout the life stages, along with the highest bacterial alpha diversity in the egg, 2) bacterial compositions were similar to laboratory reared and field collected adults, and 3) abundant fungal phyla associated with the larval gut were Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Furthermore, analyses of the gut microbiome with METAGENassist might be indicative of their likely function in the natural habitat. Abundant gut-associated bacteria and/or fungal genera detected in the present study could be used as dietary supplements to establish laboratory colonies for further vectorial research. While, individual roles of the bacteria or fungi in paratransgenesis are warned for their possible utilization to frame the management strategy in upcoming works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramita Banerjee
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan 713104, West Bengal, India
| | - Ankita Sarkar
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan 713104, West Bengal, India
| | - Koushik Ghosh
- Aquaculture Laboratory, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan 713104, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhijit Mazumdar
- Entomology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan 713104, West Bengal, India
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Zhang X, Li J, Gerry AC. Comparison of Trap Efficiency Using Suction Traps Baited With Either UV or CO2 for the Capture of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Species in the Southern California Desert, United States. J Med Entomol 2023; 60:193-201. [PMID: 36351779 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) biting midges are hematophagous flies that can transmit several disease-causing pathogens to animals. Surveillance of Culicoides is important for understanding pathogen transmission risk. The most commonly used traps for midge surveillance are suction traps baited with UV light or CO2. Culicoides species are understudied in the southern California desert region and trapping methods for these desert midges remain largely unexplored. In this study, capture rates of different Culicoides species were compared using suction traps baited with either UV or CO2 placed at two locations at a southern California desert site where a narrow canyon (Deep Canyon) drains the adjacent peninsular mountain range and leads to an expansive floodplain. Over all trap nights and locations, UV-baited traps outperformed CO2-baited traps for most Culicoides species captured at the study site, except for Culicoides sonorensis Wirth and Jones and C. mohave Wirth. Capture rates varied for each species by trap location, with desert Culicoides species captured in greater numbers at the canyon mouth while C. sonorensis and C. mohave were captured in greater numbers on the floodplain nearer to urban development including a golf course and small zoo. An interaction of trap type with trapping location on the capture rate was noted for some Culicoides species, especially for C. mohave which was captured in greater numbers using UV traps at the canyon mouth but captured in greater numbers using CO2 traps in the floodplain. This trap efficiency study will facilitate future research targeting Culicoides species in the southern California desert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmi Zhang
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Citrus Drive, Riverside, CA 91521, USA
- Keck Science Center, 925 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Alec C Gerry
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Citrus Drive, Riverside, CA 91521, USA
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Zhang X, Mathias DK. The Effects of Light Wavelength and Trapping Habitat on Surveillance of Culicoides Biting Midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Alabama. J Med Entomol 2022; 59:2053-2065. [PMID: 36256531 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In the southeastern United States, biting midges transmit agents of hemorrhagic diseases that are enzootic among white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann), Artiodactyla: Cervidae). Culicoides sonorensis Wirth and Jones (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), the only confirmed vector of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) and bluetongue virus (BTV) in the United States, is rarely collected in the Southeast, implying that other Culicoides Latreille species act as vectors. Despite multiple surveillance studies, the influence of trapping habitat and light wavelength on Culicoides sampling has yet to be investigated in Alabama. This study sampled Culicoides species at a deer research facility using CO2-baited CDC light traps with three distinct wavelengths. Traps were rotated within three habitats to examine impacts of habitat type and light wavelength on Culicoides abundance and parity status. For most species, midges were more abundant in a pine forest compared to a hardwood-forest riparian zone or a lightly wooded area adjacent to a seasonal pond. The pine forest generally had negative effects on parity status, suggesting that most females in this habitat were foraging for their first bloodmeal. Ultraviolet (UV) black-light (350 nm-360 nm) attracted more midges than incandescent light or UV LED light (385 nm-395 nm), but wavelength had less of an effect on parity than habitat. This study indicates that light wavelength and habitat significantly influence Culicoides sampling outcomes, and that when collecting parous females is desired (e.g., EHDV/BTV surveillance), targeting areas around oviposition sites may be a better strategy than trapping where midges are most abundant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmi Zhang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, 301 Funchess Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Keck Science Center, 925 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711, USA
| | - Derrick K Mathias
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, 301 Funchess Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Department of Entomology & Nematology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, 200 9th Street SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
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6
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Choocherd S, Pattanatanang K, Chimnoi W, Kamyingkird K, Tongyoo P, Phasuk J. Preliminary Study on Comparative Efficacy of Four Light Sources for Trapping Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand. J Econ Entomol 2022; 115:1719-1723. [PMID: 35899797 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toac117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The light trap is an important tool to determine the presence and abundance of vectors in the field. However, no one has studied the efficiency of light traps for collecting Culicoides in Thailand. In the present study, the efficacy of four light sources was evaluated in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, Thailand. Incandescent (INCND) light, white fluorescent (WHT-FLR) light, ultraviolet fluorescent (UV-FLR) light, and UV light-emitting diode (UV-LED) light were tested using commercial traps. In total, 30,866 individuals of Culicoides species were collected from November 2020 to June 2021, of which 21,016 were trapped on site 1 and 6,731 were trapped on site 2. The two most abundant Culicoides species were C. imicola (54%) and C. oxystoma (31.2%). UV-FLR was highly effective, followed by UV-LED light, WHT-FLR light, and INCND light, respectively, for Culicoides collection. Significantly, more Culicoides species were collected in those traps baited with UV-FLR light, UV-LED light, or WHT-FLR light than for INCND light traps. Traps equipped with UV-FLR lights can be recommended to trap Culcoides biting midges for monitoring purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchada Choocherd
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Advanced Studies for Agriculture and Food, KU Institute for Advanced Studies, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Khampee Pattanatanang
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wissanuwat Chimnoi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ketsarin Kamyingkird
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pumipat Tongyoo
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology: (AG-BIO/MHESI), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jumnongjit Phasuk
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center for Advanced Studies for Agriculture and Food, KU Institute for Advanced Studies, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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7
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Black TV, Quaglia AI, Wisely S, Burkett-Cadena N. Field Comparison of Removed Substrate Sampling and Emergence Traps for Estimating Culicoides Orbivirus Vectors in Northern Florida. J Med Entomol 2022; 59:1660-1668. [PMID: 35802003 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The larval ecology of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) influences their spatial distributions and the pathogens they transmit. These features are of special concern for deer farmers in Florida where epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) is a major source of mortality in captive herds. Rarity of larval morphological expertise leads many researchers to study larval ecology by quantifying emergence, either with field emergence traps or removing substrate from the field for observation under laboratory conditions. We investigated the comparability of these methods in Florida seepages where two recently implicated EHDV vectors, Culicoides stellifer Coquillett and Culicoides venustus Hoffman, are common. We compared the abundance and composition of emerging Culicoides collected from emergence traps with removed substrate samples (soil plugs) at three seepages. Soil plugs were sampled adjacent to the emergence trap and from underneath the trap footprint, and then monitored under laboratory conditions for 11-13 wk to compare the methods and to assess the role of incubation period for removed substrate samples. Emergence traps and removed substrate sampling largely agreed on community compositions and trends within different seepages. However, comparatively large numbers of C. stellifer emerged later than expected and well into the incubation period with emergence still occurring after 13 wk (90 d). Removed substrate samples were more similar to emergence traps at shorter incubation times. The importance of time for the capture of Culicoides in removed substrate sampling was more pronounced than we anticipated and is important from both a methodological and biological perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Vincent Black
- University of Florida IFAS, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, 200 9th Street SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
| | - Agustin Ignacio Quaglia
- University of Florida IFAS, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, 200 9th Street SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
| | - Samantha Wisely
- Wildlife and Conservation Department, University of Florida IFAS, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Nathan Burkett-Cadena
- University of Florida IFAS, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, 200 9th Street SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
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Zhang X, Phillips RA, Gerry AC. Morphological and Molecular Identification of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Species of the Southern California Desert. J Med Entomol 2022; 59:1589-1600. [PMID: 35833355 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) biting midges are vectors of important animal pathogens including bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). While some Culicoides species present in the southern California desert are implicated in the transmission of these viruses to ruminant animals, these species have not been extensively studied due in part to the challenge of identifying Culicoides to species and to the lack of published gene sequences for these species to support their molecular identification. In this study, Culicoides were captured using suction traps baited with either carbon dioxide or UV light from transitional habitat between the southern California peninsular mountain ranges and the Colorado desert of southeastern California. Captured midges were initially identified using traditional morphological methods, with species identification subsequently confirmed by sequence analysis of COI and 28S rDNA genes. Phylogenetic analyses support that some Culicoides subgenera are not monophyletic. Two recognized species (C. sitiens Wirth and Hubert and C. bakeri Vargas) shared the same COI and 28S sequences. An additional cryptic species may be present within C. sitiens. Two additional recognized species (C. cacticola Wirth and Hubert and C. torridus Wirth and Hubert) may be conspecific or cryptic to each other. In total, 19 Culicoides species (or species aggregate) were collected in this study, with genetic sequences published for the first time for 16 of them. Published genetic sequences will support future research on these species, including studies on the ecology and habits of their immature stages which are often tedious to identify using morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmi Zhang
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | | | - Alec C Gerry
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
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Allen SE, Vigil SL, Jardine CM, Furukawa-Stoffer T, Colucci N, Ambagala A, Ruder MG, Nemeth NM. New Distribution Records of Biting Midges of the Genus Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Latreille, Culicoides bergi and Culicoides baueri, in Southern Ontario, Canada. J Med Entomol 2022; 59:1467-1472. [PMID: 35468207 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Some species of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) can be pests as well as pathogen vectors, but data on their distribution in Ontario, Canada, are sparse. Collecting this baseline data is important given ongoing, accelerated alterations in global climate patterns that may favor the establishment of some species in northern latitudes. Culicoides spp. were surveyed using UV light traps over two seasons in 2017 and 2018 at livestock farms in southern Ontario, Canada. Two Culicoides spp. not previously recorded in Canada were identified, C. bergi and C. baueri, representing new country and provincial records. Unlike some congenerics, these two species are not currently recognized as vectors of pathogens that pose a health risk to humans, livestock or wildlife in North America. However, the possibility that these Culicoides species may have recently expanded their geographic range, potentially in association with climate and/or landscape changes, warrants ongoing attention and research. Furthermore, our results provoke the question of the potential undocumented diversity of Culicoides spp. in Ontario and other parts of Canada, and whether other Culicoides spp. may be undergoing range expansion. The current and future distributions of Culicoides spp., and other potential vectors of human, agricultural, and wildlife health significance, are important to identify for proper disease risk assessment, mitigation, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Allen
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 419 Gordon St, Guelph N1G 2W1, Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 419 Gordon Street, Guelph N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - S L Vigil
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - C M Jardine
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 419 Gordon St, Guelph N1G 2W1, Canada
- Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 419 Gordon Street, Guelph N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - T Furukawa-Stoffer
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, National Centre for Animal Diseases, 225090 Township Road 9-1, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0P3, Canada
| | - N Colucci
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, National Centre for Animal Diseases, 225090 Township Road 9-1, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0P3, Canada
| | - A Ambagala
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, 1015 Arlington St, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P6, Canada
| | - M G Ruder
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - N M Nemeth
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, 589 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Georgia, 501 D. W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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da Conceição Abreu Bandeira M, Cerqueira AB, Luiz Pinto Moraes J, Brazil RP, Rebêlo JMM. Diversity of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Rural Settlements and Degraded Seasonal Deciduous Forests. J Med Entomol 2022; 59:240-247. [PMID: 34632513 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Biting midges are widespread in Brazilian natural ecosystems. However, deforestation and other activities that impact the environment are reducing natural habitats where biting midges proliferate. The objective of this study was to verify whether there is variation in the composition, richness, abundance, and seasonality of biting midges between wild and rural environments, in a forest area with intense deforestation. Biting midges were captured using 6 traps installed at an average height of 1.5 m in the peridomicile, intradomicile, and deciduous seasonal forests, once a month from May 2012 to April 2013. In total, 2,182 specimens of 13 species of the genus Culicoides were captured. Species richness was similar in the intradomicile (13 species), forest (12), and peridomicile (11), but species diversity was greater in the peridomicile (H' = 0.803) compared with the intradomicile (H' = 0.717) and forest (H' = 0.687). The order of species dominance varied between the forest (Culicoides paucienfuscatus Barbosa > Culicoides leopodoi Ortiz > Culicoides foxi Ortiz > Culicoides ignacioi Forattini) and peridomicile + intradomicile habitats (C. paucienfuscatus > C. foxi > C. filariferus Hoffman > C. ignacioi). The activity of these dipterans was strongly influenced by meteorological variables, as biting midges are predominant in the rainy season (80.7% of specimens), when higher rainfall, relative humidity, and lower temperatures prevail. The abundance of biting midges was higher in the peridomicile + intradomicile (83.7% of specimens) compared with the degraded forest (16.3%), a result that reflects the loss of forest habitat due to intense and progressive deforestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria da Conceição Abreu Bandeira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária-Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Vetores, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Allane Barros Cerqueira
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Vetores, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Jorge Luiz Pinto Moraes
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Vetores, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Reginaldo Peçanha Brazil
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Manuel Macário Rebêlo
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Vetores, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
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Barceló C, Purse BV, Estrada R, Lucientes J, Miranda MÁ, Searle KR. Environmental Drivers of Adult Seasonality and Abundance of Biting Midges Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), Bluetongue Vector Species in Spain. J Med Entomol 2021; 58:350-364. [PMID: 32885822 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bluetongue is a viral disease affecting wild and domestic ruminants transmitted by several species of biting midges Culicoides Latreille. The phenology of these insects were analyzed in relation to potential environmental drivers. Data from 329 sites in Spain were analyzed using Bayesian Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) approaches. The effects of environmental factors on adult female seasonality were contrasted. Obsoletus complex species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) were the most prevalent across sites, followed by Culicoides newsteadi Austen (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Activity of female Obsoletus complex species was longest in sites at low elevation, with warmer spring average temperatures and precipitation, as well as in sites with high abundance of cattle. The length of the Culicoides imicola Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) female adult season was also longest in sites at low elevation with higher coverage of broad-leaved vegetation. Long adult seasons of C. newsteadi were found in sites with warmer autumns and higher precipitation, high abundance of sheep. Culicoides pulicaris (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) had longer adult periods in sites with a greater number of accumulated degree days over 10°C during winter. These results demonstrate the eco-climatic and seasonal differences among these four taxa in Spain, which may contribute to determining sites with suitable environmental circumstances for each particular species to inform assessments of the risk of Bluetongue virus outbreaks in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Barceló
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Research Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Ctra. Valldemossa Km 7.5, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Bethan V Purse
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Rosa Estrada
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Javier Lucientes
- Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Miguel Á Miranda
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Research Group, Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Ctra. Valldemossa Km 7.5, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Kate R Searle
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bush Estate, Edinburgh, Scotland
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McGregor BL, Blackburn JK, Wisely SM, Burkett-Cadena ND. Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Communities Differ Between a Game Preserve and Nearby Natural Areas in Northern Florida. J Med Entomol 2021; 58:450-457. [PMID: 32743667 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Culicoides Latreille biting midges are small hematophagous flies that feed on a variety of vertebrate animals. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), a farmed species in the United States, can occur at high densities on farms. This elevated density of available hosts may result in greater abundance of midges and greater potential for disease transmission on farms than natural ecosystems. This research aimed to determine whether Culicoides abundance varied between a game preserve in Gadsden County, Florida, a site bordering the preserve ('adjacent'), a site 3.5 km away ('moderate'), and a site 13 km away ('distant'). CDC light traps were set one night per week at the preserve, adjacent site, and moderate site in 2016 and at all four sites in 2017. Total abundance was greatest at the preserve and second greatest at the adjacent site both years. Average abundance of female Culicoides stellifer (Coquillett) was an order of magnitude greater on the preserve (x¯=24.59 in 2016, 17.95 in 2017) than at any other site (x¯≤1.68 in 2016, x¯≤1.03 in 2017), whereas the greatest average abundance of Culicoides venustus Hoffman was found at the adjacent site (x¯=5.15 in 2016, x¯=1.92 in 2017). Distance from the preserve significantly affected overall average abundance for both species (P < 0.001), although pairwise significance varied. Species diversity was lowest on the preserve and highest at the moderate site both years. These data suggest that high densities of animals may increase transmission potential on high fence preserves and in adjacent areas by contributing to high densities of vector species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany L McGregor
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL
- Current affiliation: USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Manhattan, KS
| | - Jason K Blackburn
- Spatial Epidemiology and Ecology Research Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Samantha M Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville FL
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Breidenbaugh MS, Foley EH, Brooks C, Reeves WK. Nighttime Aerial Sprays for Control of Crepuscular Biting Midges in South Carolina. J Am Mosq Control Assoc 2020; 36:272-275. [PMID: 33647119 DOI: 10.2987/20-6956.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nighttime aerial spray applications with naled were conducted to evaluate their efficacy in controlling crepuscular biting midges (Culicoides spp.) in South Carolina, using a US Air Force C-130. Local populations of Culicoides spp. were monitored before and after the sprays with Mosquito Magnet traps to assess the efficacy of postsunset applications. Biting midge populations were consistently decreased by the aerial spray applications in this study. This indicates that nighttime sprays can be used to control these pests, even when their peak flight activity is focused around sunset.
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Becker ME, Roberts J, Schroeder ME, Gentry G, Foil LD. Prospective Study of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus and Bluetongue Virus Transmission in Captive Ruminants. J Med Entomol 2020; 57:1277-1285. [PMID: 32083292 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) cause hemorrhagic disease (HD) in wild ruminants and bluetongue disease (BT) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in livestock. These viruses are transmitted by biting midges in the genus Culicoides (family Ceratopogonidae). Mortality from this disease can reach 90% in certain breeds of sheep and in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). From January until December of 2012, we conducted a prospective study to determine the origin and routes of transmission of BTV and EHDV in captive deer and cattle. The objective was to determine the abundance of Culicoides spp. and BTV/EHDV infection prevalence in midges, cattle, and deer in an area experiencing an outbreak of BT and EHD. Agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) tests to detect for EHDV and BTV antibodies were conducted on serum collected from cattle and deer, quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was utilized for BTV/EHDV RNA detection in tissues from dead deer, and CDC miniature black light traps baited with dry ice were deployed to capture insects. The AGID results showed 19 out of 29 cattle and 18 out of 58 white-tailed deer seroconverted for these viruses during the vector season. Tradition gel-based reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was utilized to determine serotype. Sixteen cows were positive for EHDV-2, EHDV-6, or BTV-12 and 15 deer positive for EHDV-1, EHDV-6, or BTV-12. Specimens from 14 species of Culicoides (Dptera: Ceratopogonidae) (Culicoides arboricola Root and Hoffman, Culicoides biguttatus Coquillett, Culicoides crepuscularis Malloch, Culicoides debilipalpis Lutz, Culicoides furens Poey, Culicoides haematopotus Malloch, Culicoides hinmani Khalaf, Culicoides nanus Root and Hoffman, Culicoides neopulicaris Wirth, Culicoides paraensis Goeldi, Culicoides stellifer Coquillet, Culicoides variipennis Coquillet, Culicoides villosipennis Root and Hoffman, and Culicoides venustus Hoffman) were captured and tested for BTV and EHDV using RT-qPCR assays. BTV viral nucleic acid was detected in three pools from three different species of midges: C. crepuscularis, C. debilipalpis, and C. stellifer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael E Becker
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Agricultural Experiment Station, Life Sciences, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Jonathan Roberts
- Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, LSU Union Square, Baton Rouge, LA
| | - Megan E Schroeder
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, TX
| | - Glen Gentry
- Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Agricultural Experiment Station, Bob R. Jones Idlewild Research Station, Idlewild Drive, Clinton, LA
| | - Lane D Foil
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Agricultural Experiment Station, Life Sciences, Baton Rouge, LA
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Covey H, Hall RH, Krafsur A, Matthews ML, Shults PT, Brelsfoard CL. Cryptic Wolbachia (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) Detection and Prevalence in Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Midge Populations in the United States. J Med Entomol 2020; 57:1262-1269. [PMID: 31961929 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Culicoides midges vector numerous veterinary and human pathogens. Many of these diseases lack effective therapeutic treatments or vaccines to limit transmission. The only effective approach to limit disease transmission is vector control. However, current vector control for Culicoides midges is complicated by the biology of many Culicoides species and is not always effective at reducing midge populations and impacting disease transmission. The endosymbiont Wolbachia pipientis Hertig may offer an alternative control approach to limit disease transmission and affect Culicoides populations. Here the detection of Wolbachia infections in nine species of Culicoides midges is reported. Infections were detected at low densities using qPCR. Wolbachia infections were confirmed with the sequencing of a partial region of the 16S gene. Fluorescence in situ hybridization of Culicoides sonorensis Wirth and Jones adults and dissected ovaries confirm the presence of Wolbachia infections in an important vector of Bluetongue and Epizootic hemorrhagic disease viruses. The presence of Wolbachia in Culicoides populations in the United States suggests the need for further investigation of Wolbachia as a strategy to limit transmission of diseases vectored by Culicoides midges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter Covey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
| | - Rafe H Hall
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
| | - Alyssa Krafsur
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
| | - Megan L Matthews
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
| | - Phillip T Shults
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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Sloyer KE, Wisely SM, Burkett-Cadena ND. Effects of ultraviolet LED versus incandescent bulb and carbon dioxide for sampling abundance and diversity of Culicoides in Florida. J Med Entomol 2019; 56:353-361. [PMID: 30383275 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjy195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Biting midges (Ceratopogonidae: Culicoides) are vectors of bluetongue virus and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus which cause significant morbidity and mortality in ruminants. Recently, ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV/LEDs) in conjunction with suction traps have been widely utilized for Culicoides spp. collections. Despite the use of these traps, limited work has been done comparing sampling variability associated with these light types with and without CO2. For this objective, mini-CDC light traps with four different attractant combinations were operated at eight sites across Florida between April and October 2017. Trap attractants included white-incandescent lights and UV/LEDs with and without CO2 to determine optimum combinations of light type and attractant for species richness, diversity, and abundance of Culicoides spp. in Florida. The results of the study demonstrate that traps with UV/LED light collect greater richness, diversity, and abundance of Culicoides species than traps with white-incandescent light. Addition of CO2 resulted in greater diversity in traps with UV/LED lights, but lower diversity in traps with white-incandescent light. Therefore, CO2 may be used to increase the abundance of Culicoides spp. collected by traps, regardless of light type, but the ability for CO2 to attract a higher number and diversity of species to traps varies by the light type used. Therefore, we suggest using CO2 primarily in conjunction with UV/LED light. When CO2 is not available, UV/LED light used alone can be substituted without a significant loss in species richness or diversity, although abundance of most Culicoides species will be significantly lower in the absence of CO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin E Sloyer
- University of Florida IFAS, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Vero Beach, FL
| | - Samantha M Wisely
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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