The Development of Leishmania tropica in Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae): A Comparison of Colonies Differing in Geographical Origin and a Gregarine Coinfection
Phlebotomus sergenti Parrot, 1917 is the main vector of Leishmania tropica; however, its broad geographical range and molecular heterogeneity suggest possible variability in vector competence. We infected laboratory-reared P. sergenti originating from Turkey and Israel to compare their susceptibility to L. tropica. In both tested groups, heavy late-stage infections with the presence of metacyclic forms and colonization of the stomodeal valve were observed. The similar development of Leishmania in both sand fly colonies indicates that the different geographical origin of P. sergenti is not reflected by a different vect...
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology - November 5, 2015 Category: Biology Authors: Jancarova, M., Hlavacova, J., Volf, P. Tags: Short Communications Source Type: research
Fleas and Flea-Associated Bartonella Species in Dogs and Cats from Peru
In the present study, we investigated 238 fleas collected from cats and dogs in three regions of Peru (Ancash, Cajamarca, and Lima) for the presence of Bartonella DNA. Bartonella spp. were detected by amplification of the citrate synthase gene (16.4%) and the 16S–23S intergenic spacer region (20.6%). Bartonella rochalimae was the most common species detected followed by Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella henselae. Our results demonstrate that dogs and cats in Peru are infested with fleas harboring zoonotic Bartonella spp. and these infected fleas could pose a disease risk for humans. (Source: Journal of Medical Entomology)
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology - November 5, 2015 Category: Biology Authors: Rizzo, M. F., Billeter, S. A., Osikowicz, L., Luna-Caipo, D. V., Caceres, A. G., Kosoy, M. Tags: Short Communications Source Type: research
Record of the First Cases of Human Myiasis by Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Myiasis is a disease caused by an infestation of the tissues of vertebrates by developing fly larvae. We document the first cases of human myiasis by Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, analyzed the epidemiological and clinical profiles of the patients, and their risk factors associated with the occurrence of the disease. Between May 2008 to July 2013, six cases of myiasis caused by larvae of L. cuprina were reported in patients treated in the Federal Hospital of Andaraí, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The six patients ranged between 13 and 72 yr old, belonged to various ethnic groups, and both sex...
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology - November 5, 2015 Category: Biology Authors: Azevedo, W. T. d. A., Figueiredo, A. L. d., Carvalho, R. P. d., Lemos, G. A., Silva, P. F. C. M., Miranda, T. A. d., Lessa, C. S. S., Aguiar, V. M. Tags: Short Communications Source Type: research
Distribution and Habitat of Ixodes pacificus (Acari: Ixodidae) and Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in Utah
Knowledge about the distribution and abundance of the western black-legged tick, Ixodes pacificus Cooley and Kohls, in Utah is limited. Recent concerns over tick-borne diseases in Utah, primarily Lyme disease, have reinvigorated the need to understand the distribution and habitats favored by this tick species. We surveyed 157 sites throughout Utah to examine the distribution, abundance, and habitat of I. pacificus. In total, 343 adult ticks were collected from 2011 to 2013. Specifically, 119 I. pacificus, 217 Dermacentor andersoni Stiles, six D. albipictus Packard, and one D. hunteri Bishopp were collected. Overall, tick a...
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology - November 5, 2015 Category: Biology Authors: Davis, R. S., Ramirez, R. A., Anderson, J. L., Bernhardt, S. A. Tags: Short Communications Source Type: research
Myiasis of the Tracheostomy Wound Caused by Sarcophaga (Liopygia) argyrostoma (Diptera: Sarcophagidae): Molecular Identification Based on the Mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase I Gene
Wound myiasis is the infestation of open wounds of mammalian hosts caused by larvae of various species of flies. This kind of myiasis can be a serious problem for immobilized patients with open wounds. Here, we identify a dipteran larva found in the tracheostomy wound of a child affected by a severe spinal muscular atrophy. The collected larva was dissected and microscopically analyzed. DNA was extracted from part of the larva and used for the molecular identification. A 487 bp fragment, including part of 5.8 S, the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), and part of 28S, was amplified using a novel PCR assay to be cloned an...
Source: Journal of Medical Entomology - November 5, 2015 Category: Biology Authors: Severini, F., Nocita, E., Tosini, F. Tags: Short Communications Source Type: research
