The use of nest boxes in determination of biting midges involved in transmission of Haemoproteus parasites

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Žiegytė ◽  
Elena Platonova ◽  
Egidijus Kinderis ◽  
Andrey Mukhin ◽  
Vaidas Palinauskas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Lineage ◽  
Culicoides Species ◽  
Vector Ecology ◽  
Biting Midges ◽  
Bird Nest ◽  
Biting Midge ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Blood Sucking ◽  
Local Transmission

Abstract BackgroundCulicoides biting midges (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) are known to be vectors of avian Haemoproteus parasites. These parasites cause disease and pathology in birds. The diversity of biting midges in Europe is great, but only four Culicoides species are known to be vectors of avian Haemoproteus parasites. In general, our knowledge about the role of the particular Culicoides species in transmission of Haemoproteus parasites remains insufficient. Information gaps hinder a better understanding of parasite biology and the epizootiology of parasite-caused diseases. The aim of this study was to determine new ornithophilic Culicoides species potentially involved in local transmission of Haemoproteus parasites. To do this we collected biting midges in bird nest boxes, identified their species and prevalence of haemoproteids in insects as well as in juvenile birds during breeding season.Methods Biting midges were collected from bird nest boxes, identified and parous females were tested individually for the presence of haemoproteids. The blood of juvenile birds was sampled to determine a local transmission of Haemoproteus spp. in the study area. We have used both microscopy and PCR-based methods.ResultsIn all, 293 Culicoides females belonging to 11 species were collected from nest boxes. Culicoides pictipennis, Culicoides segnis and Culicoides kibunensis were determined as dominant species collected using this method. Culicoides kibunensis was found to be infected with Haemoproteus lanii (genetic lineage hRB1), C.pictipennis and Culicoides punctatus− with Haemoproteus minutus (hTUPHI01 and hTURDUS2, respectively), C.segnis− with Haemoproteus majoris (hCWT4), H.minutus (hTURDUS2) and Haemoproteus tartakovskyi (hSISKIN1). From 187 studied juvenile birds 31 were infected with H. majoris (hCWT4, hPARUS1, hPHSIB1, hWW2) and Haemoproteus sp. (hPARUS10) parasites, which are widespread in Europe.Conclusions Our results provided information about the distribution of biting midge species and determined new ornithophilic Culicoides species at the study site. This study contributes to epizootiology of avian Haemoproteus infections by specifying Culicoides species that likely are responsible for the transmission of haemoproteids in Europe. Used method is suitable for better understanding vector ecology and evaluating the role of different blood sucking insects in transmission of haemoproteids in different wild ecosystems.

scholarly journals Culicoides biting midges involved in transmission of haemoproteids

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Žiegytė ◽  
Elena Platonova ◽  
Egidijus Kinderis ◽  
Andrey Mukhin ◽  
Vaidas Palinauskas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biting Midges ◽  
Bird Nest ◽  
Genetic Lineages ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Culicoides Obsoletus ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasites ◽  
Natural Vector ◽  
Parasite Biology ◽  
Culicoides Biting Midges

Abstract Background Culicoides biting midges (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) are known vectors of avian Haemoproteus parasites. These parasites cause diseases, pathology and even mortality in birds. The diversity of biting midges in Europe is great, but only four Culicoides species are known to be vectors of avian Haemoproteus parasites. In general, our knowledge about the role of the particular Culicoides species in the transmission of Haemoproteus parasites remains insufficient. Information gaps hinder a better understanding of parasite biology and the epizootiology of parasite-caused diseases. The aim of this study was to determine new Culicoides species involved in the transmission of Haemoproteus parasites. Methods Biting midges were collected using a UV trap as well as sticky traps installed in bird nest boxes. Individual parous females were diagnosed for the presence of haemoproteids using both PCR-based and microscopic methods. Results We collected and dissected 232 parous Culicoides females from 9 species using a UV trap and 293 females from 11 species from bird nest boxes. Culicoides obsoletus was the dominant species collected using a UV trap, and Culicoides kibunensis dominated among midges collected in nest boxes. PCR-based screening showed that 5.2% of parous biting midges collected using a UV trap and 4.4% of midges collected from nest boxes were infected with avian haemosporidian parasites. Haemoproteid DNA was detected in C. kibunensis, Culicoides pictipennis, Culicoides punctatus, Culicoides segnis and Culicoides impunctatus females. The sporozoites of Haemoproteus minutus (genetic lineages hTURDUS2 and hTUPHI01) were detected in the salivary glands of two C. kibunensis females using microscopy, and this finding was confirmed by PCR. Conclusions Culicoides kibunensis was detected as a new natural vector of Haemoproteus minutus (hTURDUS2 and hTUPHI01). Haemoproteid DNA was detected in females from five Culicoides species. This study contributes to the epizootiology of avian Haemoproteus infections by specifying Culicoides species as vectors and species that are likely to be responsible for the transmission of haemoproteids in Europe.

Biting Midges in Jamari National Forest, in the Brazilian Amazon, With 12 New Records of Culicoides Species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) for the State of Rondônia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis Paulo Costa Carvalho ◽  
Antônio Marques Pereira Júnior ◽  
Felipe Arley Costa Pessoa ◽  
Jansen Fernandes Medeiros
Keyword(s):  
Amazon Basin ◽  
Light Trap ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
National Forest ◽  
Culicoides Species ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Biting Midges ◽  
Biting Midge ◽  
Bg Sentinel

Abstract Culicoides biting midges are small hematophagous flies, some species of which transmit pathogens to livestock and humans. In the Brazilian Amazon Basin, Culicoides diversity has remained largely unexamined. Jamari National Forest (JNF) is a conservation area in Rondônia State where research and environmental education are conducted in conjunction with the protection of natural resources, and the recovery of degraded areas. The present study augments our knowledge of Culicoides diversity in JNF. The survey collected 640 individuals from 41 species; 632 individuals were collected by HP light trap and 8 were collected by the BG Sentinel trap. Twelve species are first-time records for Rondônia: Culicoides acotylus Lutz, Culicoides albuquerquei Wirth & Blanton, Culicoides baniwa Felippe-Bauer, Culicoides bricenoi Ortiz, Culicoides brownei Spinelli, Culicoides carsiomelas Wirth & Blanton, Culicoides debilipalpis Lutz, Culicoides forattinii Ortiz, Culicoides ginesi Ortiz, Culicoides profundus Santarém, Felippe-Bauer & Trindade, Culicoides pseudoreticulatus Santarém, Felippe-Bauer & Castellón, and Culicoides spurius Santarém, Felippe-Bauer & Trindade. The most abundant species were Culicoides glabrior Macfie, Culicoides pseudodiabolicus Fox, Culicoides debilipalpis, Culicoides quasiparaensis Clastrier, and Culicoides brownei Spinelli. The present study updates the Culicoides species count in Rondônia to 55, and highlights the importance of JNF as a hotbed for biting midge diversity.

scholarly journals Susceptibility of Midge and Mosquito Vectors to SARS-CoV-2

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Velmurugan Balaraman ◽  
Barbara S Drolet ◽  
Natasha N Gaudreault ◽  
William C Wilson ◽  
Jeana Owens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Lines ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Animal Origin ◽  
Culex Tarsalis ◽  
Biting Midges ◽  
Bacterial Diseases ◽  
Culicoides Sonorensis ◽  
Insect Cell Lines ◽  
Intrathoracic Inoculation

Abstract SARS-CoV-2 is a recently emerged, highly contagious virus and the cause of the current COVID-19 pandemic. It is a zoonotic virus, although its animal origin is not clear yet. Person-to-person transmission occurs by inhalation of infected droplets and aerosols, or by direct contact with contaminated fomites. Arthropods transmit numerous viral, parasitic, and bacterial diseases; however, the potential role of arthropods in SARS-CoV-2 transmission is not fully understood. Thus far, a few studies have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 replication is not supported in cells from certain insect species nor in certain species of mosquitoes after intrathoracic inoculation. In this study, we expanded the work of SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility to biting insects after ingesting a SARS-CoV-2-infected bloodmeal. Species tested included Culicoides sonorensis (Wirth & Jones) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) biting midges, as well as Culex tarsalis (Coquillett) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), all known biological vectors for numerous RNA viruses. Arthropods were allowed to feed on SARS-CoV-2-spiked blood and at a time point postinfection analyzed for the presence of viral RNA and infectious virus. Additionally, cell lines derived from C. sonorensis (W8a), Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Culicidae) (C6/36), Cx. quinquefasciatus (HSU), and Cx. tarsalis (CxTrR2) were tested for SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. Our results indicate that none of the biting insects, nor the insect cell lines evaluated support SARS-CoV-2 replication, suggesting that these species are unable to be biological vectors of SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals Host Associations Of Biting Midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae: Culicoides) Near Sentinel Chicken Surveillance Locations In Florida, USA

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 200-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin E. Sloyer ◽  
Carolina Acevedo ◽  
Alfred E. Runkel ◽  
Nathan D. Burkett-Cadena
Keyword(s):  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Host Use ◽  
Culicoides Species ◽  
Biting Midges ◽  
Total Blood ◽  
Avian Blood ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Arbovirus Surveillance ◽  
Blood Meals

ABSTRACT Quantifying host use is important for understanding transmission of vector-borne pathogens. Despite the importance of biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in pathogen transmission, the vector–host relationships of most Culicoides species are poorly documented, even in locations where active arbovirus surveillance is conducted. Polymerase chain reaction–based blood-meal analysis was performed on 663 blood-engorged Culicoides females collected by 7 Florida mosquito control districts at 24 sentinel chicken arbovirus surveillance sites in 2017. A total of 638 blood meals were successfully analyzed to determine host species source, representing 11 Culicoides species. The most commonly bitten host was domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) (presumably sentinel chickens), constituting 565 of 638 (88.6%) the total blood meals. Other common hosts included humans (5.8%), white-tailed deer (Odoocoileus virginianus) (2.5%), and brown basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus) (1.6%). Significant differences in distribution of mammal and avian blood meals were found for a number of Culicoides species, and these patterns did not vary across locations. These results indicate that sentinel chickens are exposed to bites by Culicoides, potentially exposing them to Culicoides-borne pathogens. The findings that vertebrate host use was consistent across locations suggests that each Culicoides species has affinity for one or more specific animal groups, and does not feed randomly upon available animals.

scholarly journals Assessing the role of inter-facility patient transfer in the spread of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: the case of France between 2012 and 2015

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Narimane Nekkab ◽  
Pascal Crépey ◽  
Pascal Astagneau ◽  
Lulla Opatowski ◽  
Laura Temime
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
Patient Transfer ◽  
Spatial Distance ◽  
Patient Transfers ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Local Transmission

Abstract The spread of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in healthcare settings is a major public health threat that has been associated with cross-border and local patient transfers between healthcare facilities. Since the impact of transfers on spread may vary, our study aimed to assess the contribution of a patient transfer network on CPE incidence and spread at a countrywide level, with a case study of France from 2012 to 2015. Our results suggest a transition in 2013 from a CPE epidemic sustained by internationally imported episodes to an epidemic sustained by local transmission events through patient transfers. Incident episodes tend to occur within close spatial distance of their potential infector. We also observe an increasing frequency of multiple spreading events, originating from a limited number of regional hubs. Consequently, coordinated prevention and infection control strategies should focus on transfers of carriers of CPE to reduce regional and inter-regional transmission.

scholarly journals Cuticular and Internal Chemical Composition of Biting Midges Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), Potential Vectors of Viral Diseases

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1400900
Author(s):  
Mikel González ◽  
Sergio López ◽  
Gloria Rosell ◽  
Arturo Goldarazena ◽  
Angel Guerrero
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Chemical Profile ◽  
Biting Midges ◽  
Biting Midge ◽  
Branched Hydrocarbons ◽  
Hexane Extracts ◽  
Major Chemical ◽  
First Time

The chemical profile of the cuticle and internal tissues of four species of Culicoides have been studied for the first time by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The chemical composition of females of C. obsoletus s.l. and C. lupicaris, vectors of diverse viral diseases, have been compared with that of other biting midges, such as C. kibunensis and C. fascipennis, and the non-biting midge Forcipomyia bipunctata. A total of 61 compounds belonging to 8 major chemical classes were identified in cuticular and internal tissues in n-hexane extracts. The compounds include carboxylic acids (CAs) (C6-C20), with C16:0, C16:1 and C18:1 being dominant, branched hydrocarbons (C29 to C38 mono/di/trimethylalkanes), linear hydrocarbons (C15 to C33, mainly odd chain carbons), terpenes (geranylacetone, geranylgeraniol acetate, squalene, terpenic alcohol), steroids (cholesterol), aldehydes (C9-C10 and even chain C20 to C30), and esters. The chemical profile depends on the species and whether the extracts are external (cuticle) or internal. The contents of linear and branched hydrocarbons and aldehydes was high in cuticular extracts but practically absent in internal tissues, which were, in contrast, rich in CAs, terpenes and steroids. The results are discussed and compared with other Culicoides midges and mosquito-related species.

The ovarian cycle and egg stage in Leptoconops (Holoconops) becquaerti (Kieff.) (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae)

1965 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Linley
Keyword(s):  
Blood Meal ◽  
Wing Length ◽  
Biting Midge ◽  
Egg Maturation ◽  
Blood Sucking ◽  
Carbohydrate Feeding ◽  
Probable Role ◽  
The Times ◽  
The Individual ◽  
High Degree

Leptoconops becquaerti (Kieff.) is one of the most troublesome species of biting midge in Jamaica. The gonotrophic cycle in this insect was studied and is described. In this species a single blood-meal is sufficient for the development of the ovaries and the maturation of eggs.The stages in follicle development and digestion of the blood-meal adopted for other blood-sucking Diptera have been applied to L. becquaerti with slight modifications. A high degree of gonotrophic harmony is present in this insect.Fully fed females were kept at five temperatures, 68, 77, 85, 91 and 98°F., to determine the time taken for the ovarian follicles to reach Stage V of development (egg mature, chorion present). The times were approximately 98, 64, 36, 30 and 27 hours, respectively.It was demonstrated that the number of ovarioles in L. becquaerti was proportional to the size of the individual (as measured by wing length). The average number of ovarioles in an insect of wing length 0.83 mm. (the mean wing length of the population sampled) was about 103.The number of eggs matured was also proportional to wing length, and was also dependent upon the temperature at which the flies were kept. Thus at the standard wing length of 0·83 mm., the average numbers of eggs matured at the five chosen temperatures (68 to 98°F.) were 78, 85, 65, 61 and 60, respectively. Females that had matured eggs were induced to oviposit by the decapitation technique.Females provided with a source of carbohydrate (honey) during egg maturation produced slightly more eggs on the average than those fed on blood alone. The comparable figures at 91°F. in the standard individual were 65 and 61, respectively. The probable rôle of supplementary carbohydrate feeding in nature is discussed.At the five experimental temperatures the greatest number of eggs hatched on days 11, 7, 5, 4 and 4, respectively, after laying. Egg-batches used in these experiments were deposited by decapitated females, and may therefore have been laid somewhat before the usual time in nature. The percentage fertility varied between individual batches at all temperatures, but the over-all fertility was consistently high (70–75%) at the lower four temperatures, and very low (4%) at 98°F. This difference almost certainly resulted from high temperature in the latter instance. Fertility in egg-batches deposited naturally (without decapitation) was of the same order as that in batches deposited by headless females.

scholarly journals Clinical and Microbiological Determinants of Outcome inStaphylococcus aureusBacteraemia

2010 ◽  
Vol 2010 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Price ◽  
Gillian Baker ◽  
Ian Heath ◽  
Karen Walker-Bone ◽  
Marc Cubbon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Methicillin Resistance ◽  
Central Line ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Genetic Lineage ◽  
Metastatic Infection ◽  
Primary Focus ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Community Onset ◽  
Microbiological Data

Staphylococcus aureusbacteraemia (SAB) is commonly complicated by metastatic infection or relapse after treatment.Objectives. The study aim was to determine the role of bacterial, host, and management factors in development of complicated SAB.Methods. A prospectively-conducted observational study gathered data on predisposition, management and outcome of 100 consecutive SAB cases. Antibiotic susceptibilities and genetic lineage of bacterial isolates were determined. Further clinical and microbiological data were gathered on two retrospective series from 1999–2000 (n=57) and 2004 (n=116).Results. In the prospective cases, 27% met our definition of complicated disease. Expressed as RR and 95% CI, complicated disease was associated with diabetes (1.58, 1.00–2.48), injecting-drug use (5.48, 0.88–33.49), community-onset of symptoms (1.4, 1.02–1.92), and symptom duration≥48hours prior to starting effective antibiotic therapy (2.10, 1.22–3.61). Uncomplicated disease was associated with the presence of a central line (0.69, 0.55–0.88) and prompt removal of a primary focus (0.71, 0.57–0.90). Neither methicillin resistance nor genetic lineage was associated with complicated disease, but methicillin resistance was associated with higher mortality.Conclusions. This study demonstrates that clinical rather than microbial factors are the major determinants of SAB outcome and underscores the importance of early treatment.

Culicoides Latreille biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) of the Dongzhaigang mangrove forest, Hainan Province, China

Zootaxa ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 4227 (1) ◽  
pp. 49
Author(s):  
JIA-HUI LI ◽  
DAVID GOPURENKO ◽  
DU-CHENG CAI ◽  
YE-MENG YANG ◽  
RONG HU ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mangrove Forest ◽  
New Records ◽  
Light Trap ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Hainan Province ◽  
Dna Barcodes ◽  
Biting Midges ◽  
Biting Midge ◽  
Human Landing ◽  
Sweep Net

The biting midge fauna of Dongzhaigang Mangrove Forest, Hainan Province, China was sampled on 14 October 2015 using three methods: a pan light trap operated from dusk until dawn the following morning and sweep net and human landing collections performed between 16:15–17:15 hr. Eight species, including two new records for China, Culicoides palawanensis and C. niphanae, and one new record for Hainan, C. circumbasalis, were collected. A key to assist with identification of specimens of these species is provided. DNA barcodes supported the morphological identification of some of these species and identified the potential presence of cryptic species and/or deep population structure in others. The newly recorded species were morphologically similar to species previously reported from Hainan, highlighting the need for further investigation into the taxonomy of biting midges in this region. Species composition and abundance varied considerably between the three collection techniques suggesting that multiple techniques likely provide a more comprehensive sample of biting midge fauna. 

NOTE ON THE BITING MIDGE, CULICOIDES OBSOLETUS MGN., IN EASTERN CANADA

1931 ◽  
Vol 63 (11) ◽  
pp. 248-248 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. R. Twinn
Keyword(s):  
Sand Flies ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Biting Midges ◽  
Biting Midge ◽  
Culicoides Obsoletus

Little appears to have been written about the tiny biting midges known popularly as “punkies”, “no-see-ums” or “sand-flies” which are prevalent in June and July and persist into August, in many wooded sections of Eastern Canada.

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