Platypus quercivorus. [Distribution map].

A new distribution map is provided for Platypus quercivorus (Murayama). Coleoptera: Platypodidae. Hosts: Wide host range but especially Quercus spp. and other Fagaceae. Information is given on the geographical distribution in Asia (India, West Bengal, Indonesia, Java, Japan, Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Ryukyu Islands, Shikoku, Laos, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam).

Characterization and Sequencing of a Novel Phage Abp95 Against Multi-genotypes of Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii has become a challenging conditional pathogen. A. baumannii can lead to different infections, such as wound or urinary tract infections and pneumonia. As an alternative strategy for antibiotic-resistant A. baumannii infections, phage therapy had been used and approved by several governments. Previously we had reported two potential phage therapy candidates named Abp1 and Abp9. In this study, a wide host range lytic phage Abp95 were isolated and sequenced. The biological characteristics of Abp95 are also stuied. Abp95 belongs to the myoviridae family, containing a G+C content of 38.07% with a genome of 43,176 bp. Abp95 genome encodes 77 hypothetical genes, without any known virulence genes. With a diabetic wound infection model, Abp95 could accelerate wound healing though clearing local infections of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii. In conclusion, wide host range lytic phage Abp95 shows the potential as phage therapy candidate against multi-genotypes of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

A Novel Broad Host Range Phage Infecting Alteromonas

Bacteriophages substantially contribute to bacterial mortality in the ocean and play critical roles in global biogeochemical processes. Alteromonas is a ubiquitous bacterial genus in global tropical and temperate waters, which can cross-protect marine cyanobacteria and thus has important ecological benefits. However, little is known about the biological and ecological features of Alteromonas phages (alterophages). Here, we describe a novel alterophage vB_AmeP-R8W (R8W), which belongs to the Autographiviridae family and infects the deep-clade Alteromonas mediterranea. R8W has an equidistant and icosahedral head (65 ± 1 nm in diameter) and a short tail (12 ± 2 nm in length). The genome size of R8W is 48,825 bp, with a G + C content of 40.55%. R8W possesses three putative auxiliary metabolic genes encoding proteins involved in nucleotide metabolism and DNA binding: thymidylate synthase, nucleoside triphosphate pyrophosphohydrolase, and PhoB. R8W has a rapid lytic cycle with a burst size of 88 plaque-forming units/cell. Notably, R8W has a wide host range, such that it can infect 35 Alteromonas strains; it exhibits a strong specificity for strains isolated from deep waters. R8W has two specific receptor binding proteins and a compatible holin–endolysin system, which contribute to its wide host range. The isolation of R8W will contribute to the understanding of alterophage evolution, as well as the phage–host interactions and ecological importance of alterophages.

What Determines Host Range and Reproductive Performance of an Invasive Ambrosia Beetle Euwallacea fornicatus; Lessons From Israel and California

This study examined the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) Euwallacea fornicatus (Coleoptera; Scolytinae) native to Southeast Asia and concentrated on its wide host range in two of the invaded areas, California and Israel. Among the 583 examined tree species, 55.9% were characterized as “non-reproductive hosts” and only 13.8% were characterized as “reproductive hosts,” suitable for the E. fornicatus reproduction. Families that included ≥20 species and genera with ≥10 were considered for further analysis. The highest percentage of tree species suitable for reproduction was obtained for Salicaceae and Sapindaceae, whereas the lowest percentage of tree species belonging to this category were within the Rosaceae, Myrtaceae, and Magnoliaceae. The genera Acer, Quercus and Acacia displayed the highest percentage within the “reproductive host” category, with the former significantly higher from all seven of the studied genera. We found that all Brachychiton and Erythrina were attacked and none of the examined 20 Eucalyptus spp. were suitable for E. fornicatus reproduction. The results suggest discordance between host tree phylogeny and susceptibility to the E. fornicatus, indicating that trait correlation of susceptibility of different tree species to the E. fornicatus are the results of convergent evolution and not of a common descent. A theoretical model, suggesting the different possibilities of potential tree species becoming attractive or non-attractive to E. fornicatus attack, is described. It is suggested that the beetle reproduction success rate over a wide host range, as well as the long list of species belonging to the “non-reproductive host” category, is the outcome of interactions between the beetle fungal symbiont, F. euwallaceae, and sapwood of the attacked tree. The model suggests that a tree selected by the E. fornicatus may fall in one of three groups, (i) those in which F. euwallaceae is unable to develop, (ii) those tree species that slow the development of the fungus, and (iii) those that enable F. euwallaceae to thrive. Hence, the host range suitable for beetle reproduction is determined by development of F. euwallaceae. In general, PSHB does not distinguish between host species of the “non-reproductive host” and “reproductive host” categories.

Pelopidas mathias (rice skipper).

Due to its wide host range and low reproductive potential, colonization rates of P. mathias are rather low compared to more specialized rice pests. Those ovipositing adults that do arrive do so after significant numbers of natural enemies have built up; this helps to explain the normally low pest status of P. mathias.

The ancient cardioprotective mechanisms of ACE2 bestow SARS-CoV-2 with a wide host range

SARS-CoV-2 infects a broader range of mammalian species than previously anticipated, suggesting there may be additional unknown hosts wherein the virus can evolve and potentially circumvent effective vaccines. We find that SARS-CoV-2 gains a wide host range by binding ACE2 sites essential for ACE2 carboxypeptidase activity. Six mutations found only in rodent species immune to SARS-CoV-2 are sufficient to abolish viral binding to human and dog ACE2. This is achieved through context-dependent mutational effects (intramolecular epistasis) conserved despite ACE2 sequence divergence between species. Across mammals, this epistasis generates sequence-function diversity, but through structures all bound by SARS-CoV-2. Mutational trajectories to the mouse conformation not bound by SARS-CoV-2 are blocked, by single mutations functionally deleterious in isolation, but compensatory in combination, explaining why human polymorphisms at these sites are virtually non-existent. Closed to humans, this path was opened to rodents via permissive cardiovascular phenotypes and ancient increases to ACE2 activity, serendipitously granting SARS-CoV-2 immunity. This reveals how ancient evolutionary trajectories are linked with unprecedented phenotypes such as COVID-19 and suggests extreme caution should be taken to monitor and prevent emerging animal reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2.One sentence summaryA conserved mechanism essential for ACE2 catalytic activity is exploited by SARS-CoV-2 binding, allowing the virus to infect a wide range of species.

Here, There, and Everywhere: The Wide Host Range and Geographic Distribution of Zoonotic Orthopoxviruses

The global emergence of zoonotic viruses, including poxviruses, poses one of the greatest threats to human and animal health. Forty years after the eradication of smallpox, emerging zoonotic orthopoxviruses, such as monkeypox, cowpox, and vaccinia viruses continue to infect humans as well as wild and domestic animals. Currently, the geographical distribution of poxviruses in a broad range of hosts worldwide raises concerns regarding the possibility of outbreaks or viral dissemination to new geographical regions. Here, we review the global host ranges and current epidemiological understanding of zoonotic orthopoxviruses while focusing on orthopoxviruses with epidemic potential, including monkeypox, cowpox, and vaccinia viruses.

Anaplasmosis in Animals

Anaplasmosis is a vector-borne, infectious and non-contagious disease. The disease is caused by various pathogens of the genus Anaplasma. The different species cause different types of anaplasmosis depending on which cells that are infected in the mammalian host. Anaplasmosis has a wide host range, including humans, and it is distributed worldwide. The zoonotic potential of some species is of great importance in regards to public health concerns. This review presents information about anaplasmosis in animals and its prevalence in Europe, and other countries in the world.

Phanuromyia ricaniae Nam, Lee & Talamas sp. n. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) reared from the eggs of Ricania shantungensis Chou & Lu (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae) in Asia

The genus Phanuromyia in the subfamily Telenominae (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) consists of 60 described species, for which host records indicate they are egg parasitoids of lanternflies and planthoppers (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha). In this study, we describe a new species of the genus, P. ricaniae sp. n., reared from the eggs of a planthopper, Ricania shantungensis Chou & Lu (Hemiptera: Ricaniidae). This planthopper has been considered as a serious invasive pest in South Korean agriculture. Ricania shantungensis has a wide host range, including economically important crops such as apple, peach, and pear. Phanuromyia ricaniae therefore has the potential to be a biological control agent against ricaniid planthoppers.