scholarly journals First molecular detection of Plasmodium relictum in Anopheles sinensis and Armigeres subalbatus

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-43
Author(s):  
Jilei Zhang ◽  
Guangwu Lu ◽  
Patrick Kelly ◽  
Jing Li ◽  
Min Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Avian Malaria ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Anopheles Sinensis ◽  
Plasmodium Relictum ◽  
Armigeres Subalbatus ◽  
Natural Vector ◽  
Pipiens Pallens

Background: Plasmodium relictum is one of the most important avian malaria species, which is mainly seen in wild birds, with infections reported in more than 70 different species and at high prevalence.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the molecular prevalence of Plasmodium spp. in mosquitoes collected in China.Method: A Plasmodium -specific fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was established in this study to analyze five species of mosquitoes (1,620 Culex pipiens pallens, 806 Aedes albopictus, 377 Armigeres subalbatus, 168 Anopheles sinensis, and 80 Culex tritaeniorhynchus) collected in hand nets from homes in 25 provinces of China.Results: Only females originated from six provinces were determined to be positive (0.6%, 10/1,809). Plasmodium species were detected in three mosquito species, such as C. pipiens pallens (0.5%, 8/1,620), A. sinensis (0.6%, 1/168), and A. subalbatus (0.3%, 1/377). Of the three mosquito species positive for P. relictum, only C. pipiens pallens is known to feed on birds and is recognized as the natural vector of P. relictum.Conclusion: This is the first time that P. relictum has been detected in A. sinensis and A. subalbatus. P. relictum, the agent of avian malaria, was present in mosquitoes in China, including mosquito species not previously thought to be the vectors. Keywords: Anopheles sinensis, Armigeres subalbatus, China, Mosquito, Plasmodium relictum.

scholarly journals Assessing Diversity, Plasmodium Infection and Blood Meal Sources in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from a Brazilian Zoological Park with Avian Malaria Transmission

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 215
Author(s):  
Lilian de Oliveira Guimarães ◽  
Roseli França Simões ◽  
Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas ◽  
Regiane Maria Tironi de Menezes ◽  
Fabiana Santos Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Meal ◽  
Avian Malaria ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Ecological Relationships ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Avian Malaria Parasites

Avian malaria parasites are widespread parasites transmitted by Culicidae insects belonging to different genera. Even though several studies have been conducted recently, there is still a lack of information about potential vectors of Plasmodium parasites, especially in Neotropical regions. Former studies with free-living and captive animals in São Paulo Zoo showed the presence of several Plasmodium and Haemoproteus species. In 2015, a pilot study was conducted at the zoo to collect mosquitoes in order to find out (i) which species of Culicidae are present in the study area, (ii) what are their blood meal sources, and (iii) to which Plasmodium species might they be potential vectors. Mosquitoes were morphologically and molecularly identified. Blood meal source and haemosporidian DNA were identified using molecular protocols. A total of 25 Culicidae species were identified, and 6 of them were positive for Plasmodium/Haemoproteus DNA. Ten mosquito species had their source of blood meal identified, which were mainly birds, including some species that were positive for haemosporidian parasites in the former study mentioned. This study allowed us to expand the list of potential vectors of avian malaria parasites and to improve our knowledge of the evolutionary and ecological relationships between the highly diverse communities of birds, parasites, and vectors present at São Paulo Zoo.

scholarly journals Avian malaria: a new lease of life for an old experimental model to study the evolutionary ecology of Plasmodium

2015 ◽  
Vol 370 (1675) ◽  
pp. 20140300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romain Pigeault ◽  
Julien Vézilier ◽  
Stéphane Cornet ◽  
Flore Zélé ◽  
Antoine Nicot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Culex Pipiens ◽  
Avian Malaria ◽  
Evolutionary Ecology ◽  
Laboratory Research ◽  
Plasmodium Relictum ◽  
Natural Vector ◽  
The World ◽  
Experimental Laboratory ◽  
Analyse Data ◽  
Statistical Relationships

Avian malaria has historically played an important role as a model in the study of human malaria, being a stimulus for the development of medical parasitology. Avian malaria has recently come back to the research scene as a unique animal model to understand the ecology and evolution of the disease, both in the field and in the laboratory. Avian malaria is highly prevalent in birds and mosquitoes around the world and is amenable to laboratory experimentation at each stage of the parasite's life cycle. Here, we take stock of 5 years of experimental laboratory research carried out using Plasmodium relictum SGS1, the most prevalent avian malaria lineage in Europe, and its natural vector, the mosquito Culex pipiens . For this purpose, we compile and analyse data obtained in our laboratory in 14 different experiments. We provide statistical relationships between different infection-related parameters, including parasitaemia, gametocytaemia, host morbidity (anaemia) and transmission rates to mosquitoes. This analysis provides a wide-ranging picture of the within-host and between-host parameters that may bear on malaria transmission and epidemiology.

scholarly journals Plasmodium transmission differs between mosquito species and parasite lineages

Parasitology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (4) ◽  
pp. 441-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Gutiérrez-López ◽  
Josué Martínez-de la Puente ◽  
Laura Gangoso ◽  
Ramón Soriguer ◽  
Jordi Figuerola
Keyword(s):  
Avian Malaria ◽  
Transmission Rate ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Parasite Load ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
House Sparrows ◽  
Plasmodium Relictum ◽  
Avian Malaria Parasite ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Avian Malaria Parasites

AbstractFactors such as the particular combination of parasite–mosquito species, their co-evolutionary history and the host's parasite load greatly affect parasite transmission. However, the importance of these factors in the epidemiology of mosquito-borne parasites, such as avian malaria parasites, is largely unknown. Here, we assessed the competence of two mosquito species [Culex pipiens and Aedes (Ochlerotatus) caspius], for the transmission of four avian Plasmodium lineages (Plasmodium relictum SGS1 and GRW11 and Plasmodium cathemerium-related lineages COLL1 and PADOM01) naturally infecting wild house sparrows. We assessed the effects of parasite identity and parasite load on Plasmodium transmission risk through its effects on the transmission rate and mosquito survival. We found that Cx. pipiens was able to transmit the four Plasmodium lineages, while Ae. caspius was unable to transmit any of them. However, Cx. pipiens mosquitoes fed on birds infected by P. relictum showed a lower survival and transmission rate than those fed on birds infected by parasites related to P. cathemerium. Non-significant associations were found with the host–parasite load. Our results confirm the existence of inter- and intra-specific differences in the ability of Plasmodium lineages to develop in mosquito species and their effects on the survival of mosquitoes that result in important differences in the transmission risk of the different avian malaria parasite lineages studied.

scholarly journals Gene regulation of the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium relictum, during the different stages within the mosquito vector

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Sekar ◽  
A. Rivero ◽  
R. Pigeault ◽  
S. Gandon ◽  
A. Drews ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Gene Regulation ◽  
Malaria Parasite ◽  
Avian Malaria ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Complex Life Cycle ◽  
Parasite Development ◽  
Plasmodium Relictum ◽  
Natural Vector ◽  
Avian Malaria Parasite

AbstractThe malaria parasite Plasmodium relictum is one of the most widespread species of avian malaria. As is the case in its human counterparts, bird Plasmodium undergoes a complex life cycle infecting two hosts: the arthropod vector and the vertebrate host. In this study, we examine the transcriptome of P. relictum (SGS1) during crucial timepoints within its natural vector, Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus. Differential gene-expression analyses identified genes linked to the parasites life-stages at: i) a few minutes after the blood meal is ingested, ii) during peak oocyst production phase, iii) during peak sporozoite phase and iv) during the late-stages of the infection. A large amount of genes coding for functions linked to host-immune invasion and multifunctional genes was active throughout the infection cycle. One gene associated with a conserved Plasmodium membrane protein with unknown function was upregulated throughout the parasite development in the vector, suggesting an important role in the successful completion of the sporogonic cycle. Transcript annotation further revealed novel genes, which were significantly differentially expressed during the infection in the vector as well as upregulation of reticulocyte-binding proteins, which raises the possibility of the multifunctionality of these RBPs. We establish the existence of highly stage-specific pathways being overexpressed during the infection. This first study of gene-expression of a non-human Plasmodium species in its natural vector provides a comprehensive insight into the molecular mechanisms of the common avian malaria parasite P. relictum and provides essential information on the evolutionary diversity in gene regulation of the Plasmodium’s vector stages.

Structural dynamics of P-type ATPase ion pumps

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 1247-1257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mateusz Dyla ◽  
Sara Basse Hansen ◽  
Poul Nissen ◽  
Magnus Kjaergaard
Keyword(s):  
Structural Dynamics ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Atp Hydrolysis ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Dynamics Simulations ◽  
Types Of Information ◽  
P Type

Abstract P-type ATPases transport ions across biological membranes against concentration gradients and are essential for all cells. They use the energy from ATP hydrolysis to propel large intramolecular movements, which drive vectorial transport of ions. Tight coordination of the motions of the pump is required to couple the two spatially distant processes of ion binding and ATP hydrolysis. Here, we review our current understanding of the structural dynamics of P-type ATPases, focusing primarily on Ca2+ pumps. We integrate different types of information that report on structural dynamics, primarily time-resolved fluorescence experiments including single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer and molecular dynamics simulations, and interpret them in the framework provided by the numerous crystal structures of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase. We discuss the challenges in characterizing the dynamics of membrane pumps, and the likely impact of new technologies on the field.

Quantum Dot Bioconjugates as Energy Donors in Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Assays

2003 ◽  
Vol 773 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron R. Clapp ◽  
Igor L. Medintz ◽  
J. Matthew Mauro ◽  
Hedi Mattoussi
Keyword(s):  
Energy Transfer ◽  
Quantum Dot ◽  
Organic Dyes ◽  
Resonance Energy Transfer ◽  
Resonance Energy ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Molar Ratio ◽  
Binding Assays ◽  
Specific Sequence ◽  
Donor Acceptor

AbstractLuminescent CdSe-ZnS core-shell quantum dot (QD) bioconjugates were used as energy donors in fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) binding assays. The QDs were coated with saturating amounts of genetically engineered maltose binding protein (MBP) using a noncovalent immobilization process, and Cy3 organic dyes covalently attached at a specific sequence to MBP were used as energy acceptor molecules. Energy transfer efficiency was measured as a function of the MBP-Cy3/QD molar ratio for two different donor fluorescence emissions (different QD core sizes). Apparent donor-acceptor distances were determined from these FRET studies, and the measured distances are consistent with QD-protein conjugate dimensions previously determined from structural studies.

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