Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Soumaila Pagabeleguem, Ange Irenee Toe, Sie Hermann Pooda, Kiswendsida Mikhailou Dera, Abdou Salam Belem, Adrien Marie Gaston Belem, Gisele Marie Sophie Ouedraogo Sanou, Mamadou Ira, Benewende Aristide Kabore, Lassane Percoma, Issa Sidibe
Summary: The aim of the study was to identify the best feeding regime in mass-rearing colonies of Glossina palpalis gambiensis to optimize the yield of sterile males. Different feeding regimes and day alternations were investigated, with the regime of 4 blood meals per week proving to be the most effective in terms of fecundity and mortality of tsetse flies in routine rearing.
Article
Parasitology
William Shereni, Luis Neves, Rafael Argiles, Learnmore Nyakupinda, Giuliano Cecchi
Summary: This study established a national database of tsetse and animal African trypanosomiasis (AAT) in Zimbabwe for the period 2000-2019, aiming to improve the spatial targeting of surveillance and control activities and providing a valuable tool for research purposes.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Cornelius Mweempwa, Kalinga Chilongo, Kyoko Hayashida, Boniface Namangala
Summary: This study found that female tsetse flies have a higher prevalence of trypanosomes compared to males, possibly due to their larger body size. Wing length was identified as an important predictor variable for trypanosome prevalence in Glossina morsitans morsitans, but further population data analysis is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stephen Lu, Ines Martin-Martin, Jose M. Ribeiro, Eric Calvo
Summary: This study reanalyzed the salivary gland contents of O. triseriatus using advanced sequencing technologies and identified crucial proteins related to pathogen transmission through proteomic analysis.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Andrea K. Adden, Lee R. Haines, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano, Lucia L. Prieto-Godino
Summary: Tsetse flies have a significant impact on public health and economic development in sub-Saharan African countries due to the transmission of African trypanosomiasis. Laboratory studies previously suggested that a possible larval pheromone attracted gravid female flies to appropriate birthing sites. However, field experiments did not support this attraction. Naturalistic laboratory experiments mimicking wild conditions revealed that the flies were not attracted to the putative pheromone or pupae in the soil, but rather chose birthing sites based on environmental substrate cues.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kaia J. Tombak, Andrew S. Gersick, Lily Reisinger, Brenda Larison, Daniel Rubenstein
Summary: The hypothesis that zebras have stripes to repel biting flies is well-supported. However, the mechanism behind this effect is still unknown. Field experiments in Kenya confirmed that zebra stripes repel flies at close range, but also revealed that interspecific variation in stripe width is associated with factors other than biting flies.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Benson M. Wachira, Joy M. Kabaka, Paul O. Mireji, Sylvance O. Okoth, Margaret M. Nganga, Robert Changasi, Patrick Obore, Bernard Ochieng', Grace A. Murilla, Ahmed Hassanali
Summary: The study identified a three-component blend of epsilon-nonalactone, nonanoic acid, and 2-nonanone that showed synergistic effects in attracting Glossina pallidipes in laboratory and field studies, with the 1:3:2 proportion proving to be the most effective. The blend was found to be 235% more attractive to the tsetse flies compared to traditional repellents, suggesting potential for improving tsetse fly control strategies.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Signaboubo Djoukzoumka, Hassane Mahamat Hassane, Vincent Khan Payne, Mahamat Alhaj Moussa Ibrahim, Sartrien Tagueu Kante, Youssouf Mouliom Mfopit, Petra Berger, Soerge Kelm, Gustave Simo
Summary: This study investigated the infection of S. glossinidius and Wolbachia in tsetse flies and their association with trypanosome infections. The results showed a significant association between S. glossinidius and trypanosome infections, but no association between Wolbachia and trypanosome infections. The co-infection of both bacteria was rare in wild populations of the tsetse flies.
JOURNAL OF INVERTEBRATE PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shimaa A. M. Ebrahim, Hany K. M. Dweck, Brian L. Weiss, John R. Carlson
Summary: Tsetse flies engage in chemical communication through volatile pheromones, specifically methyl palmitoleate, which elicits strong behavioral responses. This compound induces G. morsitans males to mount females of another species, Glossina fuscipes. Infection with African trypanosomes alters the flies' chemical profile and mating behavior, indicating the potential usefulness of identifying volatile attractants in tsetse flies for reducing disease spread.
Article
Entomology
Kalinga Chilongo, Tawanda Manyangadze, Samson Mukaratirwa
Summary: The impact of human settlements on tsetse populations depends on distance; the further away from human settlements, the better the body size and physiological condition of tsetse flies.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Physical
Mi Peng, Dequan Xiao, Ding Ma
Summary: The latest study in Nature Catalysis shows that thermochemical aerobic oxidations of organic small molecules can be analyzed as two coupled electrochemical half-reactions, providing new insights into the role of O-2 and offering a quantitative and predictive understanding of thermochemical catalysis from an electrochemical perspective.
Review
Cell Biology
Xin-Yang Ge, Xiao Han, Yong-Liang Zhao, Guan-Shen Cui, Yun-Gui Yang
Summary: The regeneration of planarians is regulated by various signaling pathways which control processes such as injury sensing, cell differentiation, and tissue-specific gene regulation. Neoblasts play a crucial role in regeneration, being regulated by different signaling pathways.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Geoffrey M. Attardo, Joshua B. Benoit, Veronika Michalkova, Alekhya Kondragunta, Aaron A. Baumann, Brian L. Weiss, Anna Malacrida, Francesca Scolari, Serap Aksoy
Summary: Lipid metabolism is critical for insect reproduction, and the role of symbiotic bacteria in this process is essential but understudied. This study examined the interaction between the viviparous tsetse fly and its obligate endosymbiotic bacteria during tsetse pregnancy. The results showed that symbiont-derived factors, likely B vitamins, are critical for proper lipid metabolism and fecundity in tsetse flies.
Article
Infectious Diseases
John W. Hargrove, John Van Sickle, Glyn A. Vale, Eric R. Lucas
Summary: Published analysis of genetic material from field-collected tsetse has shown that the negative density-dependent dispersal (NDDD) may be an artefact due to errors in estimates of subpopulation area and effective population densities. Errors in estimating the area occupied by a subpopulation and variations in trap deployment patterns can lead to false signals of NDDD. Claims of support for NDDD in the literature are deemed spurious and caution is advised against letting this idea influence policy on tsetse and trypanosomiasis control.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Adithi Somayaji, Chetan Roger Dhanjal, Rathnamegha Lingamsetty, Ramesh Vinayagam, Raja Selvaraj, Thivaharan Varadavenkatesan, Muthusamy Govarthanan
Summary: The study of extremophiles' adaptation to extreme environments can expand our understanding of the possibilities of life and further advance scientific knowledge. Researching their genetic mechanisms, key survival proteins, and resistance mechanisms against drugs can have potential applications in industries and medical fields.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Correction
Microbiology
Maria G. Onyango, Geoffrey M. Attardo, Erin Taylor Kelly, Sean M. Bialosuknia, Jessica Stout, Elyse Banker, Lili Kuo, Alexander T. Ciota, Laura D. Kramer
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Caroline E. Dewar, Aitor Casas-Sanchez, Constentin Dieme, Aline Crouzols, Lee R. Haines, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano, Brice Rotureau, Achim Schnaufer
Summary: This study demonstrates that efficient energy production through mitochondria is critical for the trypanosome's swimming ability and migration within the tsetse fly. Surprisingly, trypanosomes with impaired mitochondrial energy production are only mildly compromised in their ability to colonize the tsetse fly midgut. This study provides new insights into the complex mechanisms of trypanosome infection in tsetse flies.
Article
Immunology
Eva Iniguez, Samiran Saha, Georgios Petrellis, Claudio Menenses, Samantha Herbert, Yvonne Gonzalez-Rangel, Tobin Rowland, Naomi E. Aronson, Clair Rose, Lee Rafuse Haines, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano, Tiago D. Serafim, Fabiano Oliveira, Sridhar Srikantiah, Caryn Bern, Jesus G. Valenzuela, Shaden Kamhawi
Summary: The utilization of PagSP02 and PagSP06 from the saliva of Phlebotomus argentipes as immunodominant proteins provides an accurate measurement of human-vector contact. The combination of these proteins offers a more effective surveillance tool for monitoring vector control efforts after VL elimination. This research has significant implications for ensuring long-term success in the Indian subcontinent.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Brian L. Weiss, Rita V. M. Rio, Serap Aksoy
Summary: Wigglesworthia glossinidia is an endosymbiont of tsetse flies that is maternally transmitted and plays a crucial role in the physiological adaptations and immune system development of the flies.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carolina Barillas-Mury, Jose M. C. Ribeiro, Jesus G. Valenzuela
Summary: This article reviews recent progress in the understanding of pathogen transmission from human to vector and from vector to host, and highlights new strategies for controlling vector-borne diseases.
Article
Entomology
Joshua B. Benoit, Chloe Lahondere, Geoffrey M. Attardo, Veronika Michalkova, Kennan Oyen, Yanyu Xiao, Serap Aksoy
Summary: Consuming warm blood is critical for digestion efficiency and reproduction in tsetse flies. It increases digestion rate and milk protein production, leading to an increase in population growth compared to ingesting cool blood.
Review
Microbiology
Jingwen Wang, Li Gao, Serap Aksoy
Summary: In this Review, the authors explore the impact of microbiota on vector physiology and competence, provide an overview of the common and unique characteristics of microbiota in major disease vector systems and discuss the potential applications of manipulating vector microbiota for vector control purposes. Vector arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, flies, triatomine bugs and lice, play a role in transmitting various pathogens to mammals, posing a threat to human and animal health. These arthropods harbor symbiotic microorganisms, known as microbiota, which are essential for their development and reproduction. The authors summarize the key features of the symbiotic associations in major vector taxa and discuss the interactions between microbiota and their arthropod hosts, which influence vector metabolism and immune responses relevant for pathogen transmission success. They also highlight the use of symbiotic associations in developing alternative control methods to reduce vector populations and vector competence. The authors conclude by pointing out the remaining knowledge gaps in vector-microbiota interactions, which require further research for both basic understanding and practical applications.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Andrea K. Adden, Lee R. Haines, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano, Lucia L. Prieto-Godino
Summary: Tsetse flies have a significant impact on public health and economic development in sub-Saharan African countries due to the transmission of African trypanosomiasis. Laboratory studies previously suggested that a possible larval pheromone attracted gravid female flies to appropriate birthing sites. However, field experiments did not support this attraction. Naturalistic laboratory experiments mimicking wild conditions revealed that the flies were not attracted to the putative pheromone or pupae in the soil, but rather chose birthing sites based on environmental substrate cues.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jose M. C. Ribeiro, Natalia J. Bayona-Vasquez, Khemraj Budachetri, Deepak Kumar, Julia Catherine Frederick, Faizan Tahir, Brant C. Faircloth, Travis C. Glenn, Shahid Karim
Summary: The Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum, is a tick species found in the Southeastern states of the USA, extending from the Gulf of Mexico to Mexico and other Central and South American countries. This tick is a vector for Rickettsia parkeri and Hepatozoon americanum. A draft genome of A. maculatum was generated, revealing 237,921 protein-coding genes and providing insights into its basic biology.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Geoffrey M. Attardo, Joshua B. Benoit, Veronika Michalkova, Alekhya Kondragunta, Aaron A. Baumann, Brian L. Weiss, Anna Malacrida, Francesca Scolari, Serap Aksoy
Summary: Lipid metabolism is critical for insect reproduction, and the role of symbiotic bacteria in this process is essential but understudied. This study examined the interaction between the viviparous tsetse fly and its obligate endosymbiotic bacteria during tsetse pregnancy. The results showed that symbiont-derived factors, likely B vitamins, are critical for proper lipid metabolism and fecundity in tsetse flies.
Article
Parasitology
Alexandra Juhasz, Elly Spiers, Ellie Tinsley, Emma Chapman, William Shaw, Marion Head, Lucas J. Cunningham, John Archer, Sam Jones, Lee R. Haines, Naomi Davies Walsh, Bridget Johnson, Jen Quayle, Jayne Jones, Elwyn James Lacourse, Jonathan Cracknell, John Russell Stothard
Summary: Knowsley Safari provides close-up encounters with captive olive baboons, but due to potential contamination from baboon stool, a comprehensive inspection was conducted. The inspection revealed that 13.9% of vehicles were contaminated with baboon stool, and the presence of giardiasis and trichuriasis was identified. Regular administration of anthelminthics is advised for the baboon colony.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Melina Garcia Guizzo, Ben Mans, Ronel Pienaar, Jose M. C. Ribeiro
Summary: Tick saliva plays a role in blood feeding through its antihemostatic and immunomodulatory activities. Transcriptome analysis of tick salivary glands revealed a large number of transcripts coding for secreted polypeptides. However, many of these transcripts do not match the predicted proteomes, suggesting a high degree of polymorphism within the genes encoding these proteins.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bertrand Fouks, Mark C. Harrison, Alina A. Mikhailova, Elisabeth Marchal, Sinead English, Madeleine Carruthers, Emily C. Jennings, Ezemuoka L. Chiamaka, Ronja A. Frigard, Martin Pippel, Geoffrey M. Attardo, Joshua B. Benoit, Erich Bornberg-Bauer, Stephen S. Tobe
Summary: This translated article discusses research on viviparous insects, which has identified evolutionary pathways and changes in structure and physiology to facilitate the transition to viviparity and nourish offspring.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Olivia Kern, Paola Carolina Valenzuela Leon, Apostolos G. Gittis, Brian Bonilla, Phillip Cruz, Andrezza Campos Chagas, Sundar Ganesan, Jose M. C. Ribeiro, David N. Garboczi, Ines Martin-Martin, Eric Calvo
Summary: Female mosquitoes require blood meals for egg development, and the saliva of blood feeding arthropods contains biochemically active molecules that aid in blood feeding. Culex quinquefasciatus, an important vector of parasitic and viral infections, has a 12-member family of putatively secreted proteins named the Cysteine and Tryptophan-Rich (CWRC) proteins. Two members of this family, CqDVP-2 and CqDVP-4, have been characterized, with evidence of interaction with carbohydrates important to host immunology and potential roles in pathogen transmission.
CURRENT RESEARCH IN STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Caroline E. Dewar, Aitor Casas-Sanchez, Constentin Dieme, Aline Crouzols, Lee R. Haines, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano, Brice Rotureau, Achim Schnaufer
Summary: The single-celled parasite Trypanosoma brucei is transmitted by tsetse flies and its development in the fly's gut depends on efficient energy production by mitochondria.