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Gregory A Dasch - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Pearls The Biology and Taxonomy of Head and Body Lice— Implications for Louse-Borne Disease Prevention
2016Co-Authors: Denise L Bonilla, Marina E Eremeeva, Gregory A DaschAbstract:ectoparasites of placental mammals including humans. Worldwide, more than 550 species have been described and many are specific to a particular host species of mammal [1]. Three taxa uniquely parasitize humans: the head Louse, body Louse, and crab (pubic) Louse. The body Louse, in particular, has epidemiological impor-tance because it is a vector of the causative agents of three important human diseases: epidemic typhus, trench fever, and Louse-borne relapsing fever. Since the advent of antibiotics and more effective body Louse control measures in the 1940s, these diseases have markedly diminished in incidence. However, due to 1) increasing pediculicide resistance in human lice, 2) reemergence of body Louse populations in some geographic areas and demographic groups, 3) persistent head Louse infestations, and 4) recent detection of body Louse-borne pathogens in head lice, lice and Louse-borne diseases are an emerging problem worldwide. This mini-review is focused on human body and head lice including their biological relationship to each other and its epidemiological relevance, the status and treatment of human Louse-borne diseases, and current approaches to prevention and control of human Louse infestations
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the biology and taxonomy of head and body lice implications for Louse borne disease prevention
PLOS Pathogens, 2013Co-Authors: Denise L Bonilla, Lance A Durden, Marina E Eremeeva, Gregory A DaschAbstract:Sucking lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) are obligate blood-feeding ectoparasites of placental mammals including humans. Worldwide, more than 550 species have been described and many are specific to a particular host species of mammal [1]. Three taxa uniquely parasitize humans: the head Louse, body Louse, and crab (pubic) Louse. The body Louse, in particular, has epidemiological importance because it is a vector of the causative agents of three important human diseases: epidemic typhus, trench fever, and Louse-borne relapsing fever. Since the advent of antibiotics and more effective body Louse control measures in the 1940s, these diseases have markedly diminished in incidence. However, due to 1) increasing pediculicide resistance in human lice, 2) reemergence of body Louse populations in some geographic areas and demographic groups, 3) persistent head Louse infestations, and 4) recent detection of body Louse-borne pathogens in head lice, lice and Louse-borne diseases are an emerging problem worldwide. This mini-review is focused on human body and head lice including their biological relationship to each other and its epidemiological relevance, the status and treatment of human Louse-borne diseases, and current approaches to prevention and control of human Louse infestations.
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Sequencing of a New Target Genome: the Pediculus humanus humanus (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) Genome Project
Journal of medical entomology, 2006Co-Authors: Barry R. Pittendrigh, Si Hyeock Lee, John M Clark, J. S. Johnston, J. Romero-severson, Gregory A DaschAbstract:The human body Louse, Pediculus humanus humanus (L.), and the human head Louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, belong to the hemimetabolous order Phthiraptera. The body Louse is the primary vector that transmits the bacterial agents of Louse-borne relapsing fever, trench fever, and epidemic typhus. The genomes of the bacterial causative agents of several of these aforementioned diseases have been sequenced. Thus, determining the body Louse genome will enhance studies of host-vector-pathogen interactions. Although not important as a major disease vector, head lice are of major social concern. Resistance to traditional pesticides used to control head and body lice have developed. It is imperative that new molecular targets be discovered for the development of novel compounds to control these insects. No complete genome sequence exists for a hemimetabolous insect species primarily because hemimetabolous insects often have large (2000 Mb) to very large (up to 16,300 Mb) genomes. Fortuitously, we determined that the human body Louse has one of the smallest genome sizes known in insects, suggesting it may be a suitable choice as a minimal hemimetabolous genome in which many genes have been eliminated during its adaptation to human parasitism. Because many Louse species infest birds and mammals, the body Louse genome-sequencing project will facilitate studies of their comparative genomics. A 6-8X coverage of the body Louse genome, plus sequenced expressed sequence tags, should provide the entomological, evolutionary biology, medical, and public health communities with useful genetic information.
Si Hyeock Lee - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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genome sequences of the human body Louse and its primary endosymbiont provide insights into the permanent parasitic lifestyle
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2010Co-Authors: Ewen F. Kirkness, Weilin Sun, Alejandra M Perotti, Si Hyeock Lee, Henk R Braig, Brian J. Haas, Hugh M Robertson, John M Clark, Ryan C KennedyAbstract:As an obligatory parasite of humans, the body Louse (Pediculus humanus humanus) is an important vector for human diseases, including epidemic typhus, relapsing fever, and trench fever. Here, we present genome sequences of the body Louse and its primary bacterial endosymbiont Candidatus Riesia pediculicola. The body Louse has the smallest known insect genome, spanning 108 Mb. Despite its status as an obligate parasite, it retains a remarkably complete basal insect repertoire of 10,773 protein-coding genes and 57 microRNAs. Representing hemimetabolous insects, the genome of the body Louse thus provides a reference for studies of holometabolous insects. Compared with other insect genomes, the body Louse genome contains significantly fewer genes associated with environmental sensing and response, including odorant and gustatory receptors and detoxifying enzymes. The unique architecture of the 18 minicircular mitochondrial chromosomes of the body Louse may be linked to the loss of the gene encoding the mitochondrial single-stranded DNA binding protein. The genome of the obligatory Louse endosymbiont Candidatus Riesia pediculicola encodes less than 600 genes on a short, linear chromosome and a circular plasmid. The plasmid harbors a unique arrangement of genes required for the synthesis of pantothenate, an essential vitamin deficient in the Louse diet. The human body Louse, its primary endosymbiont, and the bacterial pathogens that it vectors all possess genomes reduced in size compared with their free-living close relatives. Thus, the body Louse genome project offers unique information and tools to use in advancing understanding of coevolution among vectors, symbionts, and pathogens.
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the body Louse pediculus humanus humanus phthiraptera pediculidae genome project past present and opportunities for the future
ACS symposium series, 2009Co-Authors: Barry R. Pittendrigh, Weilin Sun, Si Hyeock Lee, John M Clark, Ewen F. KirknessAbstract:The human body Louse, Pediculus humanus humanus (L.) and the human head Louse, P. humanus capitis, belong to the hemimetabolous order Phthiraptera. The body Louse is the primary vector that transmits the bacterial agents of Louse-borne relapsing fever, trench fever, and epidemic typhus. The genomes of the bacterial causative agents of several of these aforementioned diseases have been sequenced. Thus, determining the body Louse genome will enhance studies of host-vector-pathogen interactions. Although not important as a major disease vector, head lice are of major social concern. Resistance has developed to traditional pesticides used to control head and body lice. It is imperative that new molecular targets be discovered for the development of novel compounds to control these insects. No complete genome sequence yet exists for a hemimetabolous insect species. In large part, this is because hemimetabolous insects often have large (2,000 MB) to very large (up to 16,300 MB) genomes. Fortuitously, we determined that the human body Louse has one of the smallest genome sizes known in the insect world, making it a suitable choice as a minimal hemimetabolous genome in which many genes have been eliminated during its adaptation to human parasitism. Since many lice species infest birds and mammals, the body Louse genome-sequencing project will facilitate studies of their comparative genomics. Recently, the body Louse genome has been sequenced and the Body Louse Genome Consortium (BLGC) is currently annotating the genome. Questions that will be addressed by the BLGC are outlined in the following article. We also raise possible future directions for research on body lice.
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three mutations identified in the voltage sensitive sodium channel α subunit gene of permethrin resistant human head lice reduce the permethrin sensitivity of house fly vssc1 sodium channels expressed in xenopus oocytes
Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2008Co-Authors: Kyong Supyoon, Si Hyeock Lee, Steven B Symington, David M Soderlund, Marshall J ClarkAbstract:Abstract Point mutations in the para -orthologous sodium channel α -subunit of the head Louse (M815I, T917I, and L920F) are associated with permethrin resistance and DDT resistance. These mutations were inserted in all combinations using site-directed mutagenesis at the corresponding amino acid sequence positions (M827I, T929I, and L932F) of the house fly para -orthologous voltage-sensitive sodium channel α -subunit ( Vssc1 WT ) gene and heterologously co-expressed with the sodium channel auxiliary subunit of house fly (Vssc β ) in Xenopus oocytes. The double mutant possessing M827I and T929I (Vssc1 MITI /Vssc β ) caused a ∼4.0 mV hyperpolarizing shift and the triple mutant, Vssc1 MITILF /Vssc β , caused a ∼3.2 mV depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation curves. Vssc1 MITI /Vssc β , Vssc1 TILF /Vssc β , and Vssc1 MITILF /Vssc β caused depolarizing shifts (∼6.6, ∼7.6, and ∼8.8 mV, respectively) in the voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation curves. The M827I and L932F mutations reduced permethrin sensitivity when expressed alone but the T929I mutation, either alone or in combination, virtually abolished permethrin sensitivity. Thus, the T929I mutation is the principal cause of permethrin resistance in head lice. Comparison of the expression rates of channels containing single, double and triple mutations with that of Vssc1 WT /Vssc β channels indicates that the M827I mutation may play a role in rescuing the decreased expression of channels containing T929I.
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Sequencing of a New Target Genome: the Pediculus humanus humanus (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) Genome Project
Journal of medical entomology, 2006Co-Authors: Barry R. Pittendrigh, Si Hyeock Lee, John M Clark, J. S. Johnston, J. Romero-severson, Gregory A DaschAbstract:The human body Louse, Pediculus humanus humanus (L.), and the human head Louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, belong to the hemimetabolous order Phthiraptera. The body Louse is the primary vector that transmits the bacterial agents of Louse-borne relapsing fever, trench fever, and epidemic typhus. The genomes of the bacterial causative agents of several of these aforementioned diseases have been sequenced. Thus, determining the body Louse genome will enhance studies of host-vector-pathogen interactions. Although not important as a major disease vector, head lice are of major social concern. Resistance to traditional pesticides used to control head and body lice have developed. It is imperative that new molecular targets be discovered for the development of novel compounds to control these insects. No complete genome sequence exists for a hemimetabolous insect species primarily because hemimetabolous insects often have large (2000 Mb) to very large (up to 16,300 Mb) genomes. Fortuitously, we determined that the human body Louse has one of the smallest genome sizes known in insects, suggesting it may be a suitable choice as a minimal hemimetabolous genome in which many genes have been eliminated during its adaptation to human parasitism. Because many Louse species infest birds and mammals, the body Louse genome-sequencing project will facilitate studies of their comparative genomics. A 6-8X coverage of the body Louse genome, plus sequenced expressed sequence tags, should provide the entomological, evolutionary biology, medical, and public health communities with useful genetic information.
Marshall J Clark - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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three mutations identified in the voltage sensitive sodium channel α subunit gene of permethrin resistant human head lice reduce the permethrin sensitivity of house fly vssc1 sodium channels expressed in xenopus oocytes
Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2008Co-Authors: Kyong Supyoon, Si Hyeock Lee, Steven B Symington, David M Soderlund, Marshall J ClarkAbstract:Abstract Point mutations in the para -orthologous sodium channel α -subunit of the head Louse (M815I, T917I, and L920F) are associated with permethrin resistance and DDT resistance. These mutations were inserted in all combinations using site-directed mutagenesis at the corresponding amino acid sequence positions (M827I, T929I, and L932F) of the house fly para -orthologous voltage-sensitive sodium channel α -subunit ( Vssc1 WT ) gene and heterologously co-expressed with the sodium channel auxiliary subunit of house fly (Vssc β ) in Xenopus oocytes. The double mutant possessing M827I and T929I (Vssc1 MITI /Vssc β ) caused a ∼4.0 mV hyperpolarizing shift and the triple mutant, Vssc1 MITILF /Vssc β , caused a ∼3.2 mV depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation curves. Vssc1 MITI /Vssc β , Vssc1 TILF /Vssc β , and Vssc1 MITILF /Vssc β caused depolarizing shifts (∼6.6, ∼7.6, and ∼8.8 mV, respectively) in the voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation curves. The M827I and L932F mutations reduced permethrin sensitivity when expressed alone but the T929I mutation, either alone or in combination, virtually abolished permethrin sensitivity. Thus, the T929I mutation is the principal cause of permethrin resistance in head lice. Comparison of the expression rates of channels containing single, double and triple mutations with that of Vssc1 WT /Vssc β channels indicates that the M827I mutation may play a role in rescuing the decreased expression of channels containing T929I.
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body lice and head lice anoplura pediculidae have the smallest genomes of any hemimetabolous insect reported to date
Journal of Medical Entomology, 2007Co-Authors: Spencer J Johnston, Kyong Sup Yoon, Barry R. Pittendrigh, Joseph P Strycharz, Marshall J ClarkAbstract:The human body Louse, Pediculus humanus humanus L. (Anoplura: Pediculidae), is a vector of several diseases, including Louse-borne epidemic typhus, relapsing fever, and trench fever, whereas the head Louse, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer (Anoplura: Pediculidae), is more a pest of social concern. Sequencing of the body Louse genome has recently been proposed and undertaken by National Human Genome Research Institute. One of the first steps in understanding an organism's genome is to determine its genome size. Here, using flow cytometry determinations, we present evidence that body Louse genome size is 104.7 ± 1.4 Mb for females and 108.3 ± 1.1 Mb for males. Our results suggest that head lice also have a small genome size, of similar size to the body Louse. Thus, Pediculus lice have one of the smallest genome sizes known in insects, suggesting it may be a suitable choice as a minimal hemimetabolous genome.
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sodium channel mutations associated with knockdown resistance in the human head Louse pediculus capitis de geer
Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 2003Co-Authors: Kyong Sup Yoon, Miwa Takanolee, David Taplin, John D. Edman, Kosta Y Mumcuoglu, Marshall J ClarkAbstract:Pyrethroid resistance in human head Louse populations is widespread in the United States and worldwide. We previously documented that the knockdown resistance of permethrin-resistant head Louse populations is associated with the T929I and L932F (T917I and L920F in the numbering of the Louse amino acid sequence) mutations in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel α-subunit gene. In order to identify additional sodium channel mutations potentially associated with knockdown resistance, we cloned and sequenced full-length cDNA fragments from insecticide-susceptible (Ecuador) and permethrin-resistant (Florida) head Louse populations and from an insecticide-susceptible body Louse population (Israel). Sequence comparisons of the complete open reading frames of the sodium channel genes identified one additional novel mutation (M815I), which was located in the IIS1-2 extracellular loop of the α-subunit, from the permethrin-resistant head Louse population. Absolute conservation of the Met815 residue at the corresponding positions within sodium channels from all known susceptible populations of insect species implied that the M815I mutation likely has a functional significance in resistance. Sequence analyses of cloned cDNA fragments and genomic DNA fragments from individual Louse samples, both containing the three mutation sites, confirmed that all the mutations exist en bloc as a haplotype. Northern blot analysis identified a single 7.2 kb transcript. The comparison of complete open reading frame sequences (6156 bp) of sodium channel gene between head and body lice revealed 26 polymorphic nucleotides, of which only one resulted in a conservative amino acid substitution (glutamic versus aspartic acid at 11th amino acid position). The virtual identity in nucleotide sequences indicated that both body and head lice are conspecific, and lends justification of the use of the body Louse as a surrogate organism for the head Louse in biochemical and molecular biology studies. Conserved point mutations resulting in knockdown resistance to the pyrethrins, the pyrethroids, and DDT are suitable for detection by various DNA-diagnostic protocols for monitoring and resistance management.
Barry R. Pittendrigh - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the body Louse pediculus humanus humanus phthiraptera pediculidae genome project past present and opportunities for the future
ACS symposium series, 2009Co-Authors: Barry R. Pittendrigh, Weilin Sun, Si Hyeock Lee, John M Clark, Ewen F. KirknessAbstract:The human body Louse, Pediculus humanus humanus (L.) and the human head Louse, P. humanus capitis, belong to the hemimetabolous order Phthiraptera. The body Louse is the primary vector that transmits the bacterial agents of Louse-borne relapsing fever, trench fever, and epidemic typhus. The genomes of the bacterial causative agents of several of these aforementioned diseases have been sequenced. Thus, determining the body Louse genome will enhance studies of host-vector-pathogen interactions. Although not important as a major disease vector, head lice are of major social concern. Resistance has developed to traditional pesticides used to control head and body lice. It is imperative that new molecular targets be discovered for the development of novel compounds to control these insects. No complete genome sequence yet exists for a hemimetabolous insect species. In large part, this is because hemimetabolous insects often have large (2,000 MB) to very large (up to 16,300 MB) genomes. Fortuitously, we determined that the human body Louse has one of the smallest genome sizes known in the insect world, making it a suitable choice as a minimal hemimetabolous genome in which many genes have been eliminated during its adaptation to human parasitism. Since many lice species infest birds and mammals, the body Louse genome-sequencing project will facilitate studies of their comparative genomics. Recently, the body Louse genome has been sequenced and the Body Louse Genome Consortium (BLGC) is currently annotating the genome. Questions that will be addressed by the BLGC are outlined in the following article. We also raise possible future directions for research on body lice.
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body lice and head lice anoplura pediculidae have the smallest genomes of any hemimetabolous insect reported to date
Journal of Medical Entomology, 2007Co-Authors: Spencer J Johnston, Kyong Sup Yoon, Barry R. Pittendrigh, Joseph P Strycharz, Marshall J ClarkAbstract:The human body Louse, Pediculus humanus humanus L. (Anoplura: Pediculidae), is a vector of several diseases, including Louse-borne epidemic typhus, relapsing fever, and trench fever, whereas the head Louse, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer (Anoplura: Pediculidae), is more a pest of social concern. Sequencing of the body Louse genome has recently been proposed and undertaken by National Human Genome Research Institute. One of the first steps in understanding an organism's genome is to determine its genome size. Here, using flow cytometry determinations, we present evidence that body Louse genome size is 104.7 ± 1.4 Mb for females and 108.3 ± 1.1 Mb for males. Our results suggest that head lice also have a small genome size, of similar size to the body Louse. Thus, Pediculus lice have one of the smallest genome sizes known in insects, suggesting it may be a suitable choice as a minimal hemimetabolous genome.
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Sequencing of a New Target Genome: the Pediculus humanus humanus (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) Genome Project
Journal of medical entomology, 2006Co-Authors: Barry R. Pittendrigh, Si Hyeock Lee, John M Clark, J. S. Johnston, J. Romero-severson, Gregory A DaschAbstract:The human body Louse, Pediculus humanus humanus (L.), and the human head Louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, belong to the hemimetabolous order Phthiraptera. The body Louse is the primary vector that transmits the bacterial agents of Louse-borne relapsing fever, trench fever, and epidemic typhus. The genomes of the bacterial causative agents of several of these aforementioned diseases have been sequenced. Thus, determining the body Louse genome will enhance studies of host-vector-pathogen interactions. Although not important as a major disease vector, head lice are of major social concern. Resistance to traditional pesticides used to control head and body lice have developed. It is imperative that new molecular targets be discovered for the development of novel compounds to control these insects. No complete genome sequence exists for a hemimetabolous insect species primarily because hemimetabolous insects often have large (2000 Mb) to very large (up to 16,300 Mb) genomes. Fortuitously, we determined that the human body Louse has one of the smallest genome sizes known in insects, suggesting it may be a suitable choice as a minimal hemimetabolous genome in which many genes have been eliminated during its adaptation to human parasitism. Because many Louse species infest birds and mammals, the body Louse genome-sequencing project will facilitate studies of their comparative genomics. A 6-8X coverage of the body Louse genome, plus sequenced expressed sequence tags, should provide the entomological, evolutionary biology, medical, and public health communities with useful genetic information.
John M Clark - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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genome sequences of the human body Louse and its primary endosymbiont provide insights into the permanent parasitic lifestyle
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2010Co-Authors: Ewen F. Kirkness, Weilin Sun, Alejandra M Perotti, Si Hyeock Lee, Henk R Braig, Brian J. Haas, Hugh M Robertson, John M Clark, Ryan C KennedyAbstract:As an obligatory parasite of humans, the body Louse (Pediculus humanus humanus) is an important vector for human diseases, including epidemic typhus, relapsing fever, and trench fever. Here, we present genome sequences of the body Louse and its primary bacterial endosymbiont Candidatus Riesia pediculicola. The body Louse has the smallest known insect genome, spanning 108 Mb. Despite its status as an obligate parasite, it retains a remarkably complete basal insect repertoire of 10,773 protein-coding genes and 57 microRNAs. Representing hemimetabolous insects, the genome of the body Louse thus provides a reference for studies of holometabolous insects. Compared with other insect genomes, the body Louse genome contains significantly fewer genes associated with environmental sensing and response, including odorant and gustatory receptors and detoxifying enzymes. The unique architecture of the 18 minicircular mitochondrial chromosomes of the body Louse may be linked to the loss of the gene encoding the mitochondrial single-stranded DNA binding protein. The genome of the obligatory Louse endosymbiont Candidatus Riesia pediculicola encodes less than 600 genes on a short, linear chromosome and a circular plasmid. The plasmid harbors a unique arrangement of genes required for the synthesis of pantothenate, an essential vitamin deficient in the Louse diet. The human body Louse, its primary endosymbiont, and the bacterial pathogens that it vectors all possess genomes reduced in size compared with their free-living close relatives. Thus, the body Louse genome project offers unique information and tools to use in advancing understanding of coevolution among vectors, symbionts, and pathogens.
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the body Louse pediculus humanus humanus phthiraptera pediculidae genome project past present and opportunities for the future
ACS symposium series, 2009Co-Authors: Barry R. Pittendrigh, Weilin Sun, Si Hyeock Lee, John M Clark, Ewen F. KirknessAbstract:The human body Louse, Pediculus humanus humanus (L.) and the human head Louse, P. humanus capitis, belong to the hemimetabolous order Phthiraptera. The body Louse is the primary vector that transmits the bacterial agents of Louse-borne relapsing fever, trench fever, and epidemic typhus. The genomes of the bacterial causative agents of several of these aforementioned diseases have been sequenced. Thus, determining the body Louse genome will enhance studies of host-vector-pathogen interactions. Although not important as a major disease vector, head lice are of major social concern. Resistance has developed to traditional pesticides used to control head and body lice. It is imperative that new molecular targets be discovered for the development of novel compounds to control these insects. No complete genome sequence yet exists for a hemimetabolous insect species. In large part, this is because hemimetabolous insects often have large (2,000 MB) to very large (up to 16,300 MB) genomes. Fortuitously, we determined that the human body Louse has one of the smallest genome sizes known in the insect world, making it a suitable choice as a minimal hemimetabolous genome in which many genes have been eliminated during its adaptation to human parasitism. Since many lice species infest birds and mammals, the body Louse genome-sequencing project will facilitate studies of their comparative genomics. Recently, the body Louse genome has been sequenced and the Body Louse Genome Consortium (BLGC) is currently annotating the genome. Questions that will be addressed by the BLGC are outlined in the following article. We also raise possible future directions for research on body lice.
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Sequencing of a New Target Genome: the Pediculus humanus humanus (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) Genome Project
Journal of medical entomology, 2006Co-Authors: Barry R. Pittendrigh, Si Hyeock Lee, John M Clark, J. S. Johnston, J. Romero-severson, Gregory A DaschAbstract:The human body Louse, Pediculus humanus humanus (L.), and the human head Louse, Pediculus humanus capitis, belong to the hemimetabolous order Phthiraptera. The body Louse is the primary vector that transmits the bacterial agents of Louse-borne relapsing fever, trench fever, and epidemic typhus. The genomes of the bacterial causative agents of several of these aforementioned diseases have been sequenced. Thus, determining the body Louse genome will enhance studies of host-vector-pathogen interactions. Although not important as a major disease vector, head lice are of major social concern. Resistance to traditional pesticides used to control head and body lice have developed. It is imperative that new molecular targets be discovered for the development of novel compounds to control these insects. No complete genome sequence exists for a hemimetabolous insect species primarily because hemimetabolous insects often have large (2000 Mb) to very large (up to 16,300 Mb) genomes. Fortuitously, we determined that the human body Louse has one of the smallest genome sizes known in insects, suggesting it may be a suitable choice as a minimal hemimetabolous genome in which many genes have been eliminated during its adaptation to human parasitism. Because many Louse species infest birds and mammals, the body Louse genome-sequencing project will facilitate studies of their comparative genomics. A 6-8X coverage of the body Louse genome, plus sequenced expressed sequence tags, should provide the entomological, evolutionary biology, medical, and public health communities with useful genetic information.
