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Infection, Genetics and Evolution :... Nov 2020The bacterial genus, Borrelia, is comprised of vector-borne spirochete species that infect and are transmitted from multiple host species. Some Borrelia species cause... (Review)
Review
The bacterial genus, Borrelia, is comprised of vector-borne spirochete species that infect and are transmitted from multiple host species. Some Borrelia species cause highly-prevalent diseases in humans and domestic animals. Evolutionary, ecological, and molecular research on many Borrelia species have resulted in tremendous progress toward understanding the biology and natural history of these species. Yet, many outstanding questions, such as how Borrelia populations will be impacted by climate and land-use change, will require an interdisciplinary approach. The evolutionary ecology research framework incorporates theory and data from evolutionary, ecological, and molecular studies while overcoming common assumptions within each field that can hinder integration across these disciplines. Evolutionary ecology offers a framework to evaluate the ecological consequences of evolved traits and to predict how present-day ecological processes may result in further evolutionary change. Studies of microbes with complex transmission cycles, like Borrelia, which interact with multiple vertebrate hosts and arthropod vectors, are poised to leverage the power of the evolutionary ecology framework to identify the molecular interactions involved in ecological processes that result in evolutionary change. Using existing data, we outline how evolutionary ecology theory can delineate how interactions with other species and the physical environment create selective forces or impact migration of Borrelia populations and result in micro-evolutionary changes. We further discuss the ecological and molecular consequences of those micro-evolutionary changes. While many of the currently outstanding questions will necessitate new experimental designs and additional empirical data, many others can be addressed immediately by integrating existing molecular and ecological data within an evolutionary ecology framework.
Topics: Animals; Arthropod Vectors; Biological Evolution; Borrelia; Ecology; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Ixodes; Lyme Disease
PubMed: 32998077
DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104570 -
Viruses Oct 2022Rice ( L.) is one of the major staple foods for global consumption. A major roadblock to global rice production is persistent loss of crops caused by plant diseases,... (Review)
Review
Rice ( L.) is one of the major staple foods for global consumption. A major roadblock to global rice production is persistent loss of crops caused by plant diseases, including rice blast, sheath blight, bacterial blight, and particularly various vector-borne rice viral diseases. Since the late 19th century, 19 species of rice viruses have been recorded in rice-producing areas worldwide and cause varying degrees of damage on the rice production. Among them, southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) and rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) in Asia, rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) in Africa, and rice stripe necrosis virus (RSNV) in America currently pose serious threats to rice yields. This review systematizes the emergence and damage of rice viral diseases, the symptomatology and transmission biology of rice viruses, the arm races between viruses and rice plants as well as their insect vectors, and the strategies for the prevention and control of rice viral diseases.
Topics: Animals; Oryza; Plant Viruses; Reoviridae; Plant Diseases; Insect Vectors; Asia; Africa; Hemiptera
PubMed: 36298813
DOI: 10.3390/v14102258 -
Parasites & Vectors Oct 2023Culex (Barraudius) modestus (Ficalbi 1889) are found in temperate regions across Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. These mosquitoes thrive during the summer and prefer... (Review)
Review
Culex (Barraudius) modestus (Ficalbi 1889) are found in temperate regions across Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa. These mosquitoes thrive during the summer and prefer to breed in permanent vegetative habitats such as rice paddies and marshes. Culex modestus feed on a wide range of bird species but are highly attracted to humans, which makes them a potential 'bridge' vector for enzootic pathogens. There is compelling evidence that Culex modestus is an efficient vector for West Nile virus, potentially capable of causing epidemics in humans and other mammals. This species is also a likely vector for Usutu virus, avian malaria (Plasmodium spp.), and parasitic heartworms (Dirofilaria spp.). Culex modestus can be morphologically identified at the larval and adult stages, and a distinctive phenotype of this species is their ability to overwinter. Despite the widespread establishment of this mosquito species and their role as vectors for human pathogens, we lack sufficient knowledge on this species to implement and evaluate targeted vector control measures. Since Culex modestus can be considered a potential public health threat, there is a need for a better understanding of this mosquito species.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Culex; Mosquito Vectors; Insect Vectors; Plant Breeding; Culicidae; West Nile virus; Mammals
PubMed: 37858198
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05997-6 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2020
Topics: Arthropod Vectors; Disease Vectors; Host-Pathogen Interactions
PubMed: 33194846
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.609495 -
Nature Reviews. Microbiology Oct 2020Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease and is transmitted to vertebrate hosts by Ixodes spp. ticks. The spirochaete relies heavily on its arthropod... (Review)
Review
Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease and is transmitted to vertebrate hosts by Ixodes spp. ticks. The spirochaete relies heavily on its arthropod host for basic metabolic functions and has developed complex interactions with ticks to successfully colonize, persist and, at the optimal time, exit the tick. For example, proteins shield spirochaetes from immune factors in the bloodmeal and facilitate the transition between vertebrate and arthropod environments. On infection, B. burgdorferi induces selected tick proteins that modulate the vector gut microbiota towards an environment that favours colonization by the spirochaete. Additionally, the recent sequencing of the Ixodes scapularis genome and characterization of tick immune defence pathways, such as the JAK-STAT, immune deficiency and cross-species interferon-γ pathways, have advanced our understanding of factors that are important for B. burgdorferi persistence in the tick. In this Review, we summarize interactions between B. burgdorferi and I. scapularis during infection, as well as interactions with tick gut and salivary gland proteins important for establishing infection and transmission to the vertebrate host.
Topics: Animals; Arachnid Vectors; Arthropod Proteins; Borrelia burgdorferi; Gene Expression Regulation; Genome; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Intestines; Ixodes; Lyme Disease; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; STAT Transcription Factors; Salivary Glands; Salivary Proteins and Peptides; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 32651470
DOI: 10.1038/s41579-020-0400-5 -
Current Issues in Molecular Biology 2021() , along with closely related species, is the etiologic agent of Lyme disease. The spirochete subsists in an enzootic cycle that encompasses acquisition from a...
() , along with closely related species, is the etiologic agent of Lyme disease. The spirochete subsists in an enzootic cycle that encompasses acquisition from a vertebrate host to a tick vector and transmission from a tick vector to a vertebrate host. To adapt to its environment and persist in each phase of its enzootic cycle, wields three systems to regulate the expression of genes: the RpoN-RpoS alternative sigma factor cascade, the Hk1/Rrp1 two-component system and its product c-di-GMP, and the stringent response mediated by Rel and DksA. These regulatory systems respond to enzootic phase-specific signals and are controlled or fine- tuned by transcription factors, including BosR and BadR, as well as small RNAs, including DsrABb and Bb6S RNA. In addition, several other DNA-binding and RNA-binding proteins have been identified, although their functions have not all been defined. Global changes in gene expression revealed by high-throughput transcriptomic studies have elucidated various regulons, albeit technical obstacles have mostly limited this experimental approach to cultivated spirochetes. Regardless, we know that the spirochete, which carries a relatively small genome, regulates the expression of a considerable number of genes required for the transitions between the tick vector and the vertebrate host as well as the adaptation to each.
Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Animals; Arthropod Vectors; Borrelia burgdorferi; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Genes, Bacterial; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; Lyme Disease; Ticks; Transcriptome
PubMed: 33300497
DOI: 10.21775/cimb.042.223 -
Journal of Medical Entomology Sep 2021Medical Entomology as a field is inherently global - thriving on international and interdisciplinary collaborations and affected dramatically by arthropod and pathogen...
Medical Entomology as a field is inherently global - thriving on international and interdisciplinary collaborations and affected dramatically by arthropod and pathogen invasions and introductions. This past year also will be remembered as the year in which the SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 pandemic affected every part of our lives and professional activities and impacted (or changed, sometimes in good ways) our ability to collaborate and detect or respond to invasions. This incredible year is the backdrop for the 2020 Highlights in Medical Entomology. This article highlights the broad scope of approaches and disciplines represented in the 2020 published literature, ranging from sensory and chemical ecology, population genetics, impacts of human-mediated environmental change on vector ecology, life history and the evolution of vector behaviors, to the latest developments in vector surveillance and control.
Topics: Aedes; Animals; COVID-19; Entomology; Environment; Humans; Insect Control; Insect Vectors; Tick-Borne Diseases; Ticks
PubMed: 34342359
DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab103 -
Eye (London, England) Apr 2021Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are an increasing threat to public health on a global scale. In recent times, the most prominent outbreaks have constituted RNA... (Review)
Review
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are an increasing threat to public health on a global scale. In recent times, the most prominent outbreaks have constituted RNA viruses, spreading via droplets (COVID-19 and Influenza A H1N1), directly between humans (Ebola and Marburg), via arthropod vectors (Dengue, Zika, West Nile, Chikungunya, Crimean Congo) and zoonotically (Lassa fever, Nipah, Rift Valley fever, Hantaviruses). However, specific approved antiviral therapies and vaccine availability are scarce, and public health measures remain critical. Patients can present with a spectrum of ocular manifestations. Emerging infectious diseases should therefore be considered in the differential diagnosis of ocular inflammatory conditions in patients inhabiting or returning from endemic territories, and more general vigilance is advisable in the context of a global pandemic. Eye specialists are in a position to facilitate swift diagnosis, improve clinical outcomes, and contribute to wider public health efforts during outbreaks. This article reviews those emerging viral diseases associated with reports of ocular manifestations and summarizes details pertinent to practicing eye specialists.
Topics: Animals; Arthropod Vectors; Communicable Diseases, Emerging; Disease Outbreaks; Eye Infections, Viral; Humans; RNA Viruses; Viral Zoonoses; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 33514902
DOI: 10.1038/s41433-020-01376-y -
Trends in Parasitology Oct 2020Metabolism influences biochemical networks, and arthropod vectors are endowed with an immune system that affects microbial acquisition, persistence, and transmission to... (Review)
Review
Metabolism influences biochemical networks, and arthropod vectors are endowed with an immune system that affects microbial acquisition, persistence, and transmission to humans and other animals. Here, we aim to persuade the scientific community to expand their interests in immunometabolism beyond mammalian hosts and towards arthropod vectors. Immunometabolism investigates the interplay of metabolism and immunology. We provide a conceptual framework for investigators from diverse disciplines and indicate that relationships between microbes, mammalian hosts and their hematophagous arthropods may result in cost-effective (mutualism) or energetically expensive (parasitism) interactions. We argue that disparate resource allocations between species may partially explain why some microbes act as pathogens when infecting humans and behave as mutualistic or commensal organisms when colonizing arthropod vectors.
Topics: Animals; Arthropod Vectors; Arthropods; Species Specificity
PubMed: 32819827
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.07.010 -
Annual Review of Entomology Jan 2020Tularemia is a Holarctic zoonosis caused by the gamma proteobacterium and is considered to be a vector-borne disease. In many regions, human risk is associated with the... (Review)
Review
Tularemia is a Holarctic zoonosis caused by the gamma proteobacterium and is considered to be a vector-borne disease. In many regions, human risk is associated with the bites of flies, mosquitoes, or ticks. But the biology of the agent is such that risk may be fomite related, and large outbreaks can occur due to inhalation or ingestion of contaminated materials. Such well-documented human risk factors suggest a role for these risk factors in the enzootic cycle as well. Many arthropods support the growth or survival of the agent, but whether arthropods (ticks in particular) are obligately required for the perpetuation of remains to be demonstrated. As with most zoonoses, our knowledge of the ecology of has been driven with the objective of understanding human risk. In this review, we focus on the role of the arthropod in maintaining , particularly with respect to long-term enzootic persistence.
Topics: Animals; Arthropod Vectors; Biological Evolution; Francisella tularensis; Tularemia
PubMed: 31600457
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-011019-025134