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PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases May 2024Haemophilus ducreyi was historically known as the causative agent of chancroid, a sexually-transmitted disease causing painful genital ulcers endemic in many...
Haemophilus ducreyi was historically known as the causative agent of chancroid, a sexually-transmitted disease causing painful genital ulcers endemic in many low/middle-income nations. In recent years the species has been implicated as the causative agent of nongenital cutaneous ulcers affecting children of the South Pacific Islands and West African countries. Much is still unknown about the mechanism of H. ducreyi transmission in these areas, and recent studies have identified local insect species, namely flies, as potential transmission vectors. H. ducreyi DNA has been detected on the surface and in homogenates of fly species sampled from Lihir Island, Papua New Guinea. The current study develops a model system using Musca domestica, the common house fly, as a model organism to demonstrate proof of concept that flies are a potential vector for the transmission of viable H. ducreyi. Utilizing a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged strain of H. ducreyi and three separate exposure methods, we detected the transmission of viable H. ducreyi by 86.11% ± 22.53% of flies sampled. Additionally, the duration of H. ducreyi viability was found to be directly related to the bacterial concentration, and transmission of H. ducreyi was largely undetectable within one hour of initial exposure. Push testing, Gram staining, and PCR were used to confirm the identity and presence of GFP colonies as H. ducreyi. This study confirms that flies are capable of mechanically transmitting viable H. ducreyi, illuminating the importance of investigating insects as vectors of cutaneous ulcerative diseases.
Topics: Animals; Houseflies; Haemophilus ducreyi; Chancroid; Papua New Guinea; Insect Vectors; Female; Male
PubMed: 38814945
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012194 -
Forensic Science International Apr 2024There is a significant gap in the availability of comprehensive identification keys for the early larval stages of forensically important fly species. While...
There is a significant gap in the availability of comprehensive identification keys for the early larval stages of forensically important fly species. While well-documented identification keys exist for the third instar larvae, particularly for the Calliphoridae, Muscidae and Sarcophagidae families, there is a notable scarcity of keys for the first, except Calliphoridae, and the second instar larvae, with no such resources available for muscid species. The second instar larvae suffer the most from the lack of morphological descriptions and available identification keys. The Muscidae is one of the most frequently reported dipteran families of forensic importance colonising animal cadavers and human corpses. Nevertheless, descriptions of the morphology of their early instars remain scarce and limited to only a few species, thus their larval identification is challenging or impossible. Considering the numerous challenges associated with studying small-sized entomological material, we tested whether it is feasible to identify muscid flies to the species or at least genus level based predominantly on the details of the cephaloskeleton. To overcome the obstacle of observing details of small sclerites, especially their shapes and interconnections, we effectively employed confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) as a supplementary method for light microscopy (LM). This study provides an identification key for first and second instar larvae of forensically important muscid species from the western Palaearctic (Europe, North Africa, Middle East). The proposed key primarily utilises details of the cephaloskeleton with only addition of external morphology.
PubMed: 38772063
DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112028 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety May 2024Over the past few years, there has been growing interest in the ability of insect larvae to convert various organic side-streams containing mycotoxins into insect...
Over the past few years, there has been growing interest in the ability of insect larvae to convert various organic side-streams containing mycotoxins into insect biomass that can be used as animal feed. Various studies have examined the effects of exposure to aflatoxin B (AFB) on a variety of insect species, including the larvae of the black soldier fly (BSFL; Hermetia illucens L.; Diptera: Stratiomyidae) and the housefly (HFL; Musca domestica L.; Diptera: Muscidae). Most of these studies demonstrated that AFB degradation takes place, either enzymatic and/or non-enzymatic. The possible role of feed substrate microorganisms (MOs) in this process has thus far not been investigated. The main objective of this study was therefore to investigate whether biotransformation of AFB occurred and whether it is caused by insect-enzymes and/or by microbial enzymes of MOs in the feed substrate. In order to investigate this, sterile and non-sterile feed substrates were spiked with AFB and incubated either with or without insect larvae (BSFL or HFL). The AFB concentration was determined via LC-MS/MS analyses and recorded over time. Approximately 50% of the initially present AFB was recovered in the treatment involving BSFL, which was comparable to the treatment without BSFL (60%). Similar patterns were observed for HFL. The molar mass balance of AFB for the sterile feed substrates with BSFL and HFL was 73% and 78%, respectively. We could not establish whether non-enzymatic degradation of AFB in the feed substrates occurred. The results showed that both BSFL and substrate-specific MOs play a role in the biotransformation of AFB as well as in conversion of AFB into aflatoxin P and aflatoxicol, respectively. In contrast, HFL did not seem to contribute to AFB degradation. The obtained results contribute to our understanding of aflatoxin metabolism by different insect species. This information is crucial for assessing the safety of feeding fly larvae with feed substrates contaminated with AFB with the purpose of subsequent use as animal feed.
PubMed: 38759532
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116449 -
Wellcome Open Research 2024We present a genome assembly from an individual female (muscid fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Muscidae). The genome sequence is 575.2 megabases in span. Most of the...
We present a genome assembly from an individual female (muscid fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Muscidae). The genome sequence is 575.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 19.6 kilobases in length.
PubMed: 38725453
DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.20638.1 -
Insects Mar 2024Stable flies, , stand as formidable pests with a global impact, inflicting significant economic losses on the livestock sector. Larval development occurs in diverse...
Stable flies, , stand as formidable pests with a global impact, inflicting significant economic losses on the livestock sector. Larval development occurs in diverse substrates, including decomposing plant material and manure, while emerged adults pose a threat through blood-feeding on both animals and humans. Conventional chemical control methods, predominantly reliant on insecticides, not only pose environmental risks but also face challenges of resistance among stable fly populations. To address this pressing issue, we propose an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for stable fly control. This approach involved a combination of sanitary-cultural practices, animal protection, the release of natural enemies targeting immature stages, and a specialized trapping system for adults. The Stomoxycc trap, designed for mass trapping of adult , was employed alongside the release of the predatory mite and two wasp parasitoids, and (under the commercial brands Biomite and Biowasp) on animal bedding as a key component of this IPM strategy. The implementation of this initiative has been undertaken at a significant sanctuary for donkeys and mules in western Spain. In this publication, we present the application and results of the IPM strategy utilized and provide insights into its use as a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for controlling stable fly populations.
PubMed: 38667353
DOI: 10.3390/insects15040222 -
Journal of Insect Science (Online) Mar 2024Larval habitats of blood-feeding stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), overlap with foraging sites of black blow flies, Phormia regina (Meigen)...
Larval habitats of blood-feeding stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), overlap with foraging sites of black blow flies, Phormia regina (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). We tested the hypothesis that bacteria in blow fly excreta inform oviposition decisions by female stable flies. In laboratory 2-choice bioassays, we offered gravid female stable flies fabric-covered agar plates as oviposition sites that were kept sterile or inoculated with either a blend of 7 bacterial strains isolated from blow fly excreta (7-isolate-blend) or individual bacterial isolates from that blend. The 7-isolate-blend deterred oviposition by female stable flies, as did either of 2 strains of Morganella morganii subsp. sibonii. Conversely, Exiguobacterium sp. and Serratia marcescens each prompted oviposition by flies. The flies' oviposition decisions appear to be guided by bacteria-derived semiochemicals as the bacteria could not be physically accessed. Oviposition deterrence caused by semiochemicals of the 7-isolate-blend may help stable flies avoid competition with blow flies. The semiochemicals of bioactive bacterial strains could be developed as trap lures to attract and capture flies and deter their oviposition in select larval habitats.
Topics: Female; Animals; Muscidae; Calliphoridae; Oviposition; Larva; Bacteria; Pheromones; Morganella
PubMed: 38597910
DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieae040 -
Biodiversity Data Journal 2024This study presents the first faunistic record and DNA barcoding for some Diptera species recorded from the forest ecosystem of Balochistan, Pakistan. DNA barcoding was...
BACKGROUND
This study presents the first faunistic record and DNA barcoding for some Diptera species recorded from the forest ecosystem of Balochistan, Pakistan. DNA barcoding was used to explore species diversity of Dipterans and collections carried out using a Malaise trap between December 2018 to December 2019. This process involved sequencing the 658 bp Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) gene.
NEW INFORMATION
Amongst the collected Diptera specimens, nine families were identified, representing 13 genera. These species include (Rondani, 1871), (Schiner, 1868), (Meigen, 1818), (Linnaeus, 1758), (Linnaeus,1758), (Meigen, 1826), (Meigen, 1826), (Linnaeus, 1758), (Fabricius, 1794), (Thompson, 1869), (Thompson, 1869), (Schiner, 1868) and (Linnaeus, 1758). The families Syrphidae and Sarcophagidae exhibited the highest representation, each comprising three genera and three species. They were followed by the family Muscidae, which had a single genus and two species. Anthomyiidae, Chironomidae, Calliphoridae, Polleniidae, Tachinidae and Tephritidae were represented by only one genus and one species. A nique Barcode Index Number (BIN) was allotted to Tachinidae (specie i.e ). The results indicated that barcoding through cytochrome oxidase I is an effective approach for the accurate identification and genetic studies of Diptera species. This discovery highlights the significant diversity of this insect order in study region. Furthermore, a comprehensive list of other Diptera species remains elusive because of difficulties in distinguishing them, based on morphology and a lack of professional entomological knowledge.
PubMed: 38566888
DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.12.e114414 -
Heliyon Mar 2024, the chicken dung fly species, remains unexplored despite its forensic, sanitary, and veterinary importance in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. In this study, we...
, the chicken dung fly species, remains unexplored despite its forensic, sanitary, and veterinary importance in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. In this study, we obtained the complete mitochondrial genome of for the first time using next-generation sequencing. We compared it with previously published mitogenomes of the genus from the Palearctic region, and its phylogenetic position was studied based on the concatenated protein-coding genes (PCGs) dataset of Calyptratae flies. The circular mitochondrial genome of is 16,176 bp in length, with a high A + T content (78.3%), whose gene synteny, codon usage analysis, and amino acid frequency are similar to previously reported mitogenomes. All PCGs underwent purifying selection except the gene. Interspecific K2P distances of PCGs of yielded an average of 12.4% (8.1%-21.1%). The genus is monophyletic and closely related to Muscidae based on molecular data. Further taxonomic sampling is required to deep into the phylogenetic relationships of the originally proposed species-groups and subgroups within the genus. These results provide a valuable dataset for studying the mitochondrial genome evolution and a resource for the taxonomy and systematics of .
PubMed: 38524611
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27697 -
PloS One 2024Musca domestica L. (Muscidae: Diptera) is a human and livestock pest especially in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Different insecticides have been used to control this...
Musca domestica L. (Muscidae: Diptera) is a human and livestock pest especially in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Different insecticides have been used to control this pest that pose serious harmful effects on humans and the environment. The current study was planned to investigate the effects of two concentrations (LC25 and LC50) of pyriproxyfen on biological and population parameters of a field strain of M. domestica. The exposed parents (F0) and their progeny (F1) were studied to examine the transgenerational effects. The results indicated that preadult duration was higher in control (13.68 days) compared to LC50 treated individuals (12.44 days). The male and female longevity was relatively lower in the LC25 treated population i.e. 24.62 and 26.62 days, respectively. The adult pre-oviposition period (APOP) and total pre-oviposition period (TPOP) values were higher in the LC25 treated individuals than those of control. Moreover, oviposition days and fecundity were reduced in the treated individuals as compared to the control treatment. A gradual decrease in the net reproductive rate (R0) was observed (8.46-14.07 per day) while the value of R0 was significantly higher in control. The results suggested that pyriproxyfen can be effectively utilized and incorporated in the management programs of M. domestica.
Topics: Animals; Male; Female; Humans; Houseflies; Muscidae; Pyridines; Reproduction; Insecticides
PubMed: 38517921
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300922 -
Research in Veterinary Science May 2024Adult brachycera biting flies can significantly impact livestock through both direct effects (reduction of food intake, disturbance, painful bites, and blood loss) and...
Surveillance and screening of Stomoxyinae flies from Mallorca Island (Spain) reveal the absence of selected pathogens but confirm the presence of the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia pipientis.
Adult brachycera biting flies can significantly impact livestock through both direct effects (reduction of food intake, disturbance, painful bites, and blood loss) and indirect effects (pathogen transmission), leading to substantial economic losses and production damage. This study aimed to assess the presence of blood-sucking flies in six mixed-animal farm environments on the island of Mallorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) by employing multiple trapping methods. Additionally, distribution maps of brachycera biting fly species recorded in Spain were created, based on data extracted thorough review of scientific literature and citizen digital databases. Investigation of several pathogens, including equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), Anaplasmataceae bacteria, and piroplasm protozoa, was carried out using different PCR targets (18S rRNA, 16S rRNA, groESL, and tat genes). Citizen science databases and literature review corroborated the consistent distribution trend for two Stomoxyinae species, underscoring the importance of citizen collaboration as a complement to traditional entomological surveillance. Our study confirmed the presence of two biting Stomoxyinae species: the prevalent stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans across all sampled farms, and the horn fly Haematobia irritans, which turned out to be less abundant. DNA barcoding techniques validated the identification of the two species. Neither EIAV nor bacterial/protozoan pathogens were detected using the selected PCR targets in either fly species. However, Wolbachia pipientis (clustered in the supergroup A together with the only sequence of W. pipientis from the USA) was identified through PCR targeting 16S rRNA, groESL and wsp genes in all pools of H. irritans (n = 13) collected from two of the examined farms. This study represents the first attempt to investigate pathogens in Stomoxyinae biting flies in Spain. The discovery of the endosymbiotic Wolbachia organism in H. irritans represents the first record in Spain and the second from Europe. This finding holds significant implications for future research on the applications of this bacterium in biocontrol programs.
Topics: Animals; Wolbachia; Spain; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Muscidae; Bacteria
PubMed: 38493661
DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105206