Article
Parasitology
Hsiao-Hsuan Wang, William E. Grant, Pete D. Teel, Kimberly H. Lohmeyer, Adalberto A. Perez de Leon
Summary: This study used a spatially explicit, individual-based model to explore the effects of host species composition and habitat use patterns on the dynamics of southern cattle fever ticks (SCFT) infestation and eradication schemes. The results showed that host species and habitat preferences can impact off-host larval densities and eradication efforts, providing insights for preventing wildlife-mediated impacts on SCFT eradication.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Remil L. Galay, Carina R. Llaneta, Maria Karla Faye B. Monreal, Antero L. Armero, Arianne Bel D. Baluyut, Czarina Marie F. Regino, Kristina Andrea C. Sandalo, Billy P. Divina, Melbourne R. Talactac, Lennox P. Tapawan, Maarten Czar L. Mojares, Cherry R. Alvarez, Emmanuel R. Mago, Noemi D. Encarnacion, Masako Andoh, Tetsuya Tanaka
Summary: The study investigated the prevalence of Anaplasma marginale and Ehrlichia in cattle and water buffalo from provinces in the southern part of Luzon, Philippines. It found a high prevalence of A. marginale in the region and provided the first molecular evidence of E. minasensis in the country.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Brian T. Rich, Donald B. Thomas, Michael T. Longnecker, Douglas R. Tolleson, Jay Angerer, Adalberto A. Perez de Leon, Pete D. Teel
Summary: Surveillance for cattle fever ticks is crucial in preventing the reestablishment of tick vectors causing bovine babesiosis in the U.S. This study aimed to determine if infestation of Rhipicephalus microplus larvae induced detectable changes in fecal chemistry. Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy was used to analyze fecal samples from infested and non-infested cattle, revealing significant differences in fecal spectra associated with different stages of tick infestation.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Kaue Rodriguez Martins, Marcos Valerio Garcia, Paulino Bonatte-Junior, Pamella Oliveira Duarte, Barbara Guimaraes Csordas, Leandro de Oliveira Souza Higa, Namor Pinheiro Zimmermann, Jacqueline Cavalcante Barros, Renato Andreotti
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between the number of ticks and the number of Babesia bigemina cytochrome b gene copies in the blood of Brangus and Nellore cattle. The results showed that Nellore cattle had fewer ticks but a higher number of Babesia bigemina cytochrome b gene copies compared to Brangus cattle.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Glen A. Scoles, Hala E. Hussein, Cassandra L. Olds, Kathleen L. Mason, Sara K. Davis
Summary: Vaccination with antibodies against RmAQP2 can reduce the number of cattle fever ticks on cattle, but the mechanism of action has not been confirmed. Further research is needed to determine the mechanism and whether these vaccine targets can be effective components of an anti-tick vaccine cocktail.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sana Ayub, Nosheen Malak, Raquel Cossio-Bayugar, Nasreen Nasreen, Afshan Khan, Sadaf Niaz, Adil Khan, Abdallah D. Alanazi, Mourad Ben Said
Summary: A recent study explored the effectiveness of Pinus roxburghii plant extract in controlling populations of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks. The study found that the plant extract showed high efficacy in vitro against different tick stages and demonstrated strong binding interaction between the plant's phytochemicals and the tick protein. This suggests the potential use of P. roxburghii as a promising anti-tick agent.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Warin Rangubpit, Eukote Suwan, Danai Sangthong, Kannika Wongpanit, Roger W. Stich, Prapasiri Pongprayoon, Sathaporn Jittapalapong
Summary: Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is a tick parasite that affects the cattle industry globally. This study used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the structure of ligand-free RmGST, a glutathione-S-transferase enzyme in R. (B.) microplus. The findings suggest that RmGST has similar structural stability and catalytic activity to other GSTs. These insights could be valuable for managing acaricide resistance and tick control.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Oluwafemi Babatunde Daoduid, Albert Eisenbarth, Ansgar Schulz, Julia Hartlaub, James Olukayode Olopade, Daniel Oladimeji Oluwayelu, Martin H. Groschup
Summary: The study detected and genetically characterized Dugbe orthonairovirus (DUGV) circulating in cattle and their infesting ticks in Kwara State, Nigeria, with high similarity to the previously characterized strain. DUGV was found to have a carrier rate of 0.7% in ticks, predominantly in Amblyomma variegatum species.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lionel Nyabongo, David O. Odongo, Gad Milton, Eunice Machuka, Patrick Vudriko, Roger Pelle, Esther G. Kanduma
Summary: The research conducted in Burundi revealed a high prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in cattle, with findings showing the presence of various tick species posing threats to both cattle and public health. The study emphasized the need for designing control strategies for ticks and tick-borne diseases that take into consideration the distribution of different vectors and the potential risk of introducing pathogenic organisms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Warin Rangubpit, Eukote Suwan, Danai Sangthong, Kannika Wongpanit, Roger W. Stich, Prapasiri Pongprayoon, Sathaporn Jittapalapong
Summary: In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the binding of GTX and GSH to RmGST. It was found that GSH binds tighter and sits rigidly inside the G-site, while GTX occupies both active sites.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Marta G. Silva, Reginaldo G. Bastos, Jacob M. Laughery, Heba F. Alzan, Vignesh A. Rathinasamy, Brian M. Cooke, Carlos E. Suarez
Summary: This study investigated whether vaccination of calves with recombinant HAP2 interfered with the transmission of Babesia bovis by ticks. The results showed that vaccinated calves did not develop acute babesiosis symptoms, while control animals were infected with the parasite. The transmission feeding experiment using larvae derived from vaccinated or control calves confirmed the potential of rHAP2 as a candidate for babesiosis transmission-blocking vaccines.
Article
Parasitology
Emily Mesquita, Diogo Paes da Costa, Laura Nobrega Meirelles, Mariana Guedes Camargo, Thais Almeida Correa, Vania Rita Elias Pinheiro Bittencourt, Irene da Silva Coelho, Huarrisson Azevedo Santos, Richard Alan Humber, Patricia Silva Golo
Summary: Research found that treatment of Rhipicephalus microplus ticks with Metarhizium anisopliae led to decreased bacterial diversity in the gut and an increase in Coxiella species. Ticks treated with both synthetic acaricides and the fungus showed reduced survival. However, prior antibiotic treatment did not affect the susceptibility of ticks to the fungus. This is the first report of an entomopathogenic fungus affecting the tick gut microbiota.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Gabriel Cruz-Gonzalez, Juan Manuel Pinos-Rodriguez, Miguel Angel Alonso-Diaz, Dora Romero-Salas, Jorge Genaro Vicente-Martinez, Agustin Fernandez-Salas, Jesus Jarillo-Rodriguez, Epigmenio Castillo-Gallegos
Summary: This study implemented rotational grazing to control cattle tick infestations and found that a 45-day rest period for pastures can effectively reduce tick presence in cattle. These findings are important for developing better strategies to minimize the use of chemical acaricides and reduce the presence of chemicals in milk, meat, and the environment.
Article
Entomology
Jorgelina Torrents, Macarena Sarli, Nestor F. Sarmiento, Maria V. Rossner, Nicolas Morel, Alberto A. Guglielmone, Santiago Nava
Summary: This study reports the presence of resistance to fluazuron in an Argentina population of Rhipicephalus microplus. Both field and in vitro trials were conducted to gather evidence. The results showed that the population exhibited a higher level of resistance to fluazuron, indicating the emergence of resistance. This highlights the need for control strategies that minimize the use of this drug to preserve its functionality as an acaricide.
EXPERIMENTAL AND APPLIED ACAROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Caixing Xiong, Dwight Baker, Patricia Pietrantonio
Summary: In this study, 29 antagonists were identified through high-throughput screening, with 11 of them being full antagonists with IC50 values ranging from 0.67 to 8 mu mol L-1. Three potential antagonists with IC50 < 3.2 mu mol L-1 were validated in vitro using the recombinant mosquito kinin receptor and showed similar antagonistic activities. These findings suggest that the antagonists identified could potentially serve as leads for pesticides and as reagents for investigating the kinin signaling system.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Nawarat Somprasong, Carina M. Hall, Jessica R. Webb, Jason W. Sahl, David M. Wagner, Paul Keim, Bart J. Currie, Herbert P. Schweizer
Summary: Burkholderia ubonensis, a nonpathogenic soil bacterium, contains a novel tetracycline-specific efflux pump gene tetA(64), which, in combination with other resistance genes, confers high resistance to tetracycline and doxycycline. The gene was acquired through homologous recombination and provides bacteria with defense against high concentrations of tetracycline under specific conditions.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Igor Golovliov, Stina Backman, Malin Granberg, Emelie Salomonsson, Eva Lundmark, Jonas Naslund, Joseph D. Busch, Dawn Birdsell, Jason W. Sahl, David M. Wagner, Anders Johansson, Mats Forsman, Johanna Thelaus
Summary: This study found that some strains of Francisella tularensis can form biofilms in water environments, while others do not. At low temperatures, certain strains demonstrated the ability to survive long-term, providing insights into the environmental persistence of the bacteria between seasonal outbreaks.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Nathan E. Stone, Sierra A. Jaramillo, Ashley N. Jones, Adam J. Vazquez, Madison Martz, Lora M. Versluis, Marlee O. Raniere, Haley E. Nunnally, Katherine E. Zarn, Roxanne Nottingham, Ken R. Ng, Jason W. Sahl, David M. Wagner, Steen Knudsen, Erik W. Settles, Paul Keim, Christopher T. French
Summary: Stenoparib, a PARP inhibitor currently in phase II clinical trials for ovarian cancer treatment, demonstrates dose-dependent suppression of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses in vitro, potentially synergistic with remdesivir. Its established safety and dosage in humans make it a promising candidate for rapid repurposing in the fight against COVID-19.
Article
Microbiology
Caroline Ohrman, Jason W. Sahl, Andreas Sjodin, Ingrid Uneklint, Rebecca Ballard, Linda Karlsson, Ryelan F. McDonough, David Sundell, Kathleen Soria, Stina Backman, Kitty Chase, Bjorn Brindefalk, Shanmuga Sozhamannan, Adriana Vallesi, Emil Hagglund, Jose Gustavo Ramirez-Paredes, Johanna Thelaus, Duncan Colquhoun, Kerstin Myrtennas, Dawn Birdsell, Anders Johansson, David M. Wagner, Mats Forsman
Summary: An increasing diversity of species has been recognized within the family Francisellaceae, but sometimes new isolates are misnamed. Historically, detecting F. tularensis has been challenging, but restructuring data based on phylogenetic structure can help identify specific genetic regions for detection.
Article
Zoology
Rebecca E. COLMAN, R. Jory BRINKERHOFF, Joseph D. BUSCH, Chris RAY, Adina DOYLE, Jason W. SAHL, Paul KEIM, Sharon K. COLLINGE, David M. WAGNER
Summary: Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is widespread in rodent populations in western United States and periodically causes epizootics, especially in black-tailed prairie dogs. The study suggests that Y. pestis was introduced multiple times from different sources and may be transmitted to black-tailed prairie dogs through bridging hosts such as deer mice.
INTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Voahangy Andrianaivoarimanana, David M. Wagner, Dawn N. Birdsell, Birgit Nikolay, Faniry Rakotoarimanana, Lovasoa N. Randriantseheno, Amy J. Vogler, Jason W. Sahl, Carina M. Hall, Nawarat Somprasong, Simon Cauchemez, Herbert P. Schweizer, Harimahefa Razafimandimby, Christophe Rogier, Minoarisoa Rajerison
Summary: This study retrospectively characterized a pneumonic plague outbreak in Madagascar, finding that the infection was caused by a Yersinia pestis strain resistant to streptomycin. The outbreak occurred during funeral practices and all patients recovered after antimicrobial therapy.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Beza Ramasindrazana, Mamionah N. J. Parany, Fanohinjanaharinirina Rasoamalala, Mercia Rasoanoro, Soloandry Rahajandraibe, Amy J. Vogler, Jason W. Sahl, Voahangy Andrianaivoarimanana, Minoarisoa Rajerison, David M. Wagner
Summary: Plague is a re-emerging zoonotic disease of public health concern in Madagascar, where different subtypes of Y. pestis co-occur. High seroprevalence of Y. pestis in local rodent populations suggests potential resistance development. Further research on genomic characterization of Y. pestis strains in endemic regions is needed for better understanding of its phylogeography.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Carina M. Hall, Anthony L. Baker, Jason W. Sahl, Mark Mayo, Holger C. Scholz, Mirjam Kaestli, James Schupp, Madison Martz, Erik W. Settles, Joseph D. Busch, Lindsay Sidak-Loftis, Astrid Thomas, Lisa Kreutzer, Enrico Georgi, Herbert P. Schweizer, Jeffrey M. Warner, Paul Keim, Bart J. Currie, David M. Wagner
Summary: Distinct Burkholderia strains were isolated from soil samples collected in northern Australia, and were identified as two novel species within the Burkholderia pseudomallei complex. These species, named Burkholderia mayonis sp. nov. and Burkholderia savannae sp. nov., display unique genomic characteristics and biochemical profiles. The discovery of these new species expands our understanding of this significant bacterial complex.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Charles Hall Davis Williamson, Nathan E. Stone, Amalee E. Nunnally, Chandler C. Roe, Adam J. Vazquez, Samantha A. Lucero, Heidie Hornstra, David M. Wagner, Paul Keim, Maja Rupnik, Sandra Janezic, Jason William Sahl
Summary: This study explores the genomic diversity of Clostridioides difficile and discovers new cryptic species in soil and water samples. These species may pose challenges for clinical detection as they may not amplify in PCR diagnostics. Additionally, the study identifies antimicrobial resistance and metabolic diversity in these isolates.
MICROBIAL GENOMICS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Brooke L. Deatherage Kaiser, Dawn N. Birdsell, Janine R. Hutchison, Johanna Thelaus, Sarah C. Jenson, Voahangy Andrianaivoarimanana, Mona Bystroem, Kerstin Myrtennaes, Ryelan F. McDonough, Roxanne D. Nottingham, Jason W. Sahl, Herbert P. Schweizer, Minoarisoa Rajerison, Mats Forsman, David S. Wunschel, David M. Wagner
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern, and we studied the proteins associated with Yersinia pestis and Francisella tularensis strains to identify potential protein signatures for antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We found that protein expression was significantly influenced by AMR, even in the absence of antibiotics in growth media. Additionally, the abundance of specific proteins involved in metabolic pathways and biological functions was altered in AMR strains, regardless of species or resistance mechanism. These features could be used to develop novel approaches for identifying AMR phenotypes.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nathan E. Stone, Carina M. Hall, Marielisa Ortiz, Shelby M. Hutton, Ella Santana-Propper, Kimberly R. Celona, Charles H. D. Williamson, Nicole Bratsch, Luis G. V. Fernandes, Joseph D. Busch, Talima Pearson, Sarai Rivera-Garcia, Fred Soltero, Renee Galloway, Jason W. Sahl, Jarlath E. Nally, David M. Wagner
Summary: This study investigated the diversity and distribution of Leptospira bacteria in the environment in Puerto Rico. The results showed that diverse and pathogenic Leptospira were abundant and widespread, with some lineages persisting in soil for over a year. This research will contribute to improving the monitoring and diagnosis of leptospirosis.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Lisa J. Speiser, Sabirah Kasule, Carina M. Hall, Jason W. Sahl, David M. Wagner, Chris Saling, Amy Kole, Andrew J. Meltzer, Victor Davila, Robert Orenstein, Thomas Grys, Erin Graf
Summary: Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a highly lethal infection with a particularly high fatality rate if left untreated or undiagnosed. It is endemic to Asia, Australia, South America, and the Caribbean, but the number of cases reported in the United States is increasing. This study highlights the rare occurrence of melioidosis presenting as a mycotic aneurysm in the United States and emphasizes the need for diagnostic awareness and epidemiological concerns.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Camila Hamond, Karen LeCount, Ellie J. Putz, Darrell O. Bayles, Patrick Camp, Marga G. A. Goris, Hans van der Linden, Nathan E. Stone, Linda K. Schlater, Jason W. Sahl, David M. Wagner, Jarlath E. Nally
Summary: This study reports the isolation of L. borgpetersenii serovar Tarassovi from the urine of a dairy cow in the U.S. for the first time. The isolate was characterized using whole-genome sequencing, serotyping, MALDI, and immunoblotting. This finding highlights the importance of culture, genotyping, and serotyping for accurate classification of leptospires and the design of effective vaccine and diagnostic strategies.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carina M. Hall, Daniel Romero-Alvarez, Madison Martz, Ella Santana-Propper, Lora Versluis, Laura Jimenez, Abdelghafar Alkishe, Joseph D. Busch, Trevor Maness, Jonathan Stewart, Tom Sidwa, Jay E. Gee, Mindy G. Elrod, Zachary Weiner, Alex R. Hoffmaster, Jason W. Sahl, Johanna S. Salzer, A. Townsend Peterson, Amanda Kieffer, David M. Wagner
Summary: The study found that the risk of acquiring melioidosis from the environment in the continental U.S. is low, even at locations where locally acquired cases have occurred.
Article
Microbiology
Tove Hoffman, Andreas Sjodin, Caroline Ohrman, Linda Karlsson, Ryelan Francis McDonough, Jason W. Sahl, Dawn Birdsell, David M. Wagner, Laura G. Carra, Peter Wilhelmsson, John H-O Pettersson, Christos Barboutis, Jordi Figuerola, Alejandro Onrubia, Yosef Kiat, Dario Piacentini, Thomas G. T. Jaenson, Per-Eric Lindgren, Sara Moutailler, Thord Fransson, Mats Forsman, Kenneth Nilsson, Ake Lundkvist, Bjorn Olsen
Summary: The study investigates the dispersal and co-occurrence of Francisella and spotted fever group Rickettsia in ticks infesting migrating birds in the African-Western Palaearctic region. The results suggest that ticks carrying Francisella and SFGR are dispersed by northbound migratory birds in the region. The most common tick species, Hyalomma rufipes, has a high prevalence of Francisella and may have a dual endosymbiosis with Midichloria to meet its nutritional requirements.