The Experts below are selected from a list of 8568 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Petr Volf - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Sand fly fauna of Crete and the description of Phlebotomus (Adlerius) creticus n. sp. (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Parasites & Vectors, 2020Co-Authors: Vít Dvořák, Jerôme Dépaquit, Mohammad Akhoundi, Petr Volf, Nikolaos Tsirigotakis, Christoforos Pavlou, Emmanouil Dokianakis, Petr Halada, Maria AntoniouAbstract:Background: The Greek island of Crete is endemic for both visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and recently increasing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). This study summarizes published data on the sand fly fauna of Crete, the results of new sand fly samplings and the description of a new sand fly species. Methods: All published and recent samplings were carried out using CDC light traps, sticky traps or mouth aspirators. The specific status of Phlebotomus (Adlerius) creticus n. sp., was assessed by morphological analysis, cytochrome b (cytb) sequencing and MALDI-TOF protein profiling. Results: Published data revealed the presence of 10 Phlebotomus spp. and 2 Sergentomyia spp. During presented field work, 608 specimens of 8 species of Phlebotomus and one species of Sergentomyia were collected. Both published data and present samplings revealed that the two most common and abundant species were Phlebotomus neglectus, a proven vector of Leishmania infantum causing VL, and Ph. similis, a suspected vector of L. tropica causing CL. In addition, the field surveys revealed the presence of a new species, Ph. (Adlerius) creticus n. sp. Conclusions: The identification of the newly described species is based on both molecular and morphological criteria, showing distinct characters of the male genitalia that differentiate it from related species of the subgenus Adlerius as well as species-specific sequence of cytb and protein spectra generated by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.
-
Experimental infection of Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus tobbi with different Leishmania tropica strains
International journal for parasitology, 2019Co-Authors: Slavica Vaselek, Petr VolfAbstract:Cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania tropica is increasingly documented in Europe and the Middle East. Besides its specific vector, Phlebotomus sergenti, permissive Phlebotomus sand flies are suspected as potential vectors of L. tropica. We investigated the susceptibility of two widely distributed species, Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus tobbi. Laboratory-reared sand flies were infected experimentally with L. tropica strains differing in lipophosphoglycan epitopes, geographical distribution and epidemiology. High infection rates, heavy parasite loads and fully developed late-stage infections including colonization of the stomodeal valve were observed in all parasite-vector combinations. Our findings demonstrate that P. perniciosus and P. tobbi are susceptible to different L. tropica strains and may play a role in their circulation in endemic foci of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
-
Phylogeography of the subgenus TransPhlebotomus Artemiev with description of two new species, Phlebotomus anatolicus n. sp. and Phlebotomus killicki n. sp.
Infection genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases, 2015Co-Authors: Ozge Erisoz Kasap, Jerôme Dépaquit, Vit Dvorak, Bulent Alten, Jan Votypka, Petr VolfAbstract:The subgenus TransPhlebotomus comprises sand fly species with distribution markedly restricted to the Mediterranean basin and suspected of Leishmania transmission. Only three species, Phlebotomus mascittii, Phlebotomus canaaniticus and Phlebotomus economidesi, have been described up to the present. Due to their similar morphology, proper identification remains difficult and relies mainly on molecular markers. We studied sand fly species of this subgenus from Crete and south-western coast of Anatolia. Based on the sequencing analysis of mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4, cytochrome oxidase I), two new TransPhlebotomus species were identified and subsequently distinguished also by morphological characters: Phlebotomus anatolicus n. sp. and Phlebotomus killicki n. sp. Moreover, Ph. economidesi, previously only recorded from Cyprus, was found in Turkey sympatrically with these two new species. Based on the divergence time estimates, the first split has occurred in the subgenus TransPhlebotomus ∼10 million years ago and the paleogeographic events took place around the Aegean and Mediterranean regions were suggested as the main drivers of the diversification of the subgenus. Our findings indicate that for TransPhlebotomus species, morphological identification should be confirmed by molecular approaches, especially for investigations concerning their possible vectorial role in Leishmania transmission.
-
A taxonomic study of Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perfiliewi s. l.
Infection genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases, 2013Co-Authors: Jerôme Dépaquit, Azzedine Bounamous, Mohammad Akhoundi, Denis Augot, Franck Sauvage, Vit Dvorak, Alsu Chaibullinova, Bernard Pesson, Petr Volf, Nicole LégerAbstract:Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perfiliewi is one of the main vectors of Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean basin and in Central Asia. Its taxonomic status remains doubtful. It usually includes three taxa of specific or subspecific value, depending on the authors: P. perfiliewiParrot, 1930 s. st. in North Africa, Western Europe and the Balkans, Crimea; Phlebotomus galilaeusTheodor, 1958 in Israel/Palestine and Cyprus and Phlebotomus transcaucasicusPerfiliev, 1937 in Caucasus and Central Asia. While the identification of the females of P. perfiliewi s. l. is relatively easy, based on the particular morphology of their spermathecal ducts, the specific identification of the females of Phlebotomus perfiliewi perfiliewi, Phlebotomus perfiliewi galilaeus and Phlebotomus perfiliewi transcaucasicus is impossible. The differentiation of males, based mainly on characters on aedeagus, is also difficult. The goal of the present study is to carry out a taxonomic update based on a morphological study of specimens coming from various populations from Asia, Europe and North Africa coupled with their molecular analysis.
-
Individual variability of salivary gland proteins in three Phlebotomus species.
Acta tropica, 2011Co-Authors: Iva Rohousova, Věra Volfová, Soňa Nová, Petr VolfAbstract:Pooled salivary gland samples are frequently used to ensure the sufficient amount of material for the experiments; however, this could mask an individual variability. Thus, we compared salivary protein profiles in seven colonies of three Phlebotomus species: Phlebotomus sergenti, Phlebotomus perniciosus, and Phlebotomus papatasi. Surprisingly, the individual profiles differed significantly between the colonies as well as between individuals. The highest variability was observed in proteins with molecular masses of 42-46 kDa corresponding to the yellow-related proteins. The phenogram constructed from salivary gland profiles revealed the existence of two main groups in P. sergenti, corresponding well with the geographical origin. The F1 progeny obtained from cross-mating studies between P. sergenti colonies of different geographical origin formed a distinct subgroup within the parental groups. In P. papatasi, several groups of protein profiles were observed with no relationship to the geographical origin. The biological role of salivary proteins variability is discussed.
Jerôme Dépaquit - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Sand fly fauna of Crete and the description of Phlebotomus (Adlerius) creticus n. sp. (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Parasites & Vectors, 2020Co-Authors: Vít Dvořák, Jerôme Dépaquit, Mohammad Akhoundi, Petr Volf, Nikolaos Tsirigotakis, Christoforos Pavlou, Emmanouil Dokianakis, Petr Halada, Maria AntoniouAbstract:Background: The Greek island of Crete is endemic for both visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and recently increasing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). This study summarizes published data on the sand fly fauna of Crete, the results of new sand fly samplings and the description of a new sand fly species. Methods: All published and recent samplings were carried out using CDC light traps, sticky traps or mouth aspirators. The specific status of Phlebotomus (Adlerius) creticus n. sp., was assessed by morphological analysis, cytochrome b (cytb) sequencing and MALDI-TOF protein profiling. Results: Published data revealed the presence of 10 Phlebotomus spp. and 2 Sergentomyia spp. During presented field work, 608 specimens of 8 species of Phlebotomus and one species of Sergentomyia were collected. Both published data and present samplings revealed that the two most common and abundant species were Phlebotomus neglectus, a proven vector of Leishmania infantum causing VL, and Ph. similis, a suspected vector of L. tropica causing CL. In addition, the field surveys revealed the presence of a new species, Ph. (Adlerius) creticus n. sp. Conclusions: The identification of the newly described species is based on both molecular and morphological criteria, showing distinct characters of the male genitalia that differentiate it from related species of the subgenus Adlerius as well as species-specific sequence of cytb and protein spectra generated by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.
-
Phlebotomus (ParaPhlebotomus) chabaudi and Phlebotomus riouxi: closely related species or synonyms?
Parasite (Paris France), 2017Co-Authors: Véronique Lehrter, Nicole Léger, Jean-antoine Rioux, Anne-laure Bañuls, Jerôme DépaquitAbstract:Phlebotomus riouxi Depaquit, Killick-Kendrick & Leger 1998 was described as a species closely related to Phlebotomus chabaudi Croset, Abonnenc & Rioux 1970, differing mainly by the size and number of setae of the coxite basal lobe. Molecular studies carried out on several populations from Algeria and Tunisia and based on mitochondrial genes cytochrome b (Cytb) and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) supported the typological validity of these two species. Recently, specimens from a single population in southern Tunisia were morphologically identified as Ph. riouxi, Ph. chabaudi and intermediates, but were clustered in the same clade according to their Cytb and nuclear gene elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1a) sequences. These species were thus synonymized. To further explore this synonymy, we carried out a molecular study on specimens from Algeria and Tunisia using the same molecular markers and a part of 28S rDNA. We did not find any morphologically intermediate specimens in our sampling. We highlighted differences between the genetic divergence rates within and between the two species for the three markers and we identified new haplotypes. The sequence analysis did not reveal any signature of introgression in allopatric nor in sympatric populations such as in the Ghomrassen population. Phylogenetic analyses based on our specimens revealed that the two main clades are Ph. chabaudi and Ph. riouxi, in agreement with the morphological identification. These results support the validity of Ph. riouxi and Ph. chabaudi as typological species. Resume-Phlebotomus (ParaPhlebotomus) chabaudi et Phlebotomus riouxi : especes proches ou synonymes ? Phlebotomus riouxi Depaquit, Killick-Kendrick & Leger 1998 a ete decrit comme une espece proche de Phlebotomus chabaudi Croset, Abonnenc & Rioux 1970, se distinguant principalement par la taille et le nombre de soies sur le lobe basal du coxite. Des etudes moleculaires, menees sur plusieurs populations d'Algerie et de Tunisie, et basees sur les genes mitochondriaux cytochrome b (Cytb) et cytochrome oxydase I (COI), ont soutenu la validite typologique de ces deux especes. Recemment, des specimens d'une seule population du sud de la Tunisie ont ete morphologiquement identifies comme des Ph. riouxi, Ph. chabaudi et intermediaires, mais se sont retrouves groupes dans le meme clade selon leurs sequences de Cytb et de facteur d'elongation 1 alpha (EF-1a). Ces especes ont donc ete mises en synonymie. Afin d'explorer davantage cette synonymie, nous avons mene une etude moleculaire sur des specimens d'Algerie et de Tunisie en utilisant les memes marqueurs moleculaires ainsi qu'une partie du 28S de l'ADN ribosomique. Aucun specimen ne presentait de morphologie intermediaire dans notre echantillonnage. Des differences entre les taux de variabilite genetique intra et interspecifiques des trois marqueurs ont ete mises en evidence, ainsi que de nouveaux haplotypes. L'analyse des sequences n'a revele
-
Phlebotomus (ParaPhlebotomus) chabaudi and Phlebotomus riouxi : closely related species or synonyms?
Parasite, 2017Co-Authors: Véronique Lehrter, Nicole Léger, Jean-antoine Rioux, Anne-laure Bañuls, Jerôme DépaquitAbstract:Phlebotomus riouxi Depaquit, Killick-Kendrick & Léger 1998 was described as a species closely related to Phlebotomus chabaudi Croset, Abonnenc & Rioux 1970, differing mainly by the size and number of setae of the coxite basal lobe. Molecular studies carried out on several populations from Algeria and Tunisia and based on mitochondrial genes cytochrome b (Cytb) and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) supported the typological validity of these two species. Recently, specimens from a single population in southern Tunisia were morphologically identified as Ph. riouxi, Ph. chabaudi and intermediates, but were clustered in the same clade according to their Cytb and nuclear gene elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1a) sequences. These species were thus synonymized. To further explore this synonymy, we carried out a molecular study on specimens from Algeria and Tunisia using the same molecular markers and a part of 28S rDNA. We did not find any morphologically intermediate specimens in our sampling. We highlighted differences between the genetic divergence rates within and between the two species for the three markers and we identified new haplotypes. The sequence analysis did not reveal any signature of introgression in allopatric nor in sympatric populations such as in the Ghomrassen population. Phylogenetic analyses based on our specimens revealed that the two main clades are Ph. chabaudi and Ph. riouxi, in agreement with the morphological identification. These results support the validity of Ph. riouxi and Ph. chabaudi as typological species. Résumé-Phlebotomus (ParaPhlebotomus) chabaudi et Phlebotomus riouxi : espèces proches ou synonymes ? Phlebotomus riouxi Depaquit, Killick-Kendrick & Léger 1998 a été décrit comme une espèce proche de Phlebotomus chabaudi Croset, Abonnenc & Rioux 1970, se distinguant principalement par la taille et le nombre de soies sur le lobe basal du coxite. Des études moléculaires, menées sur plusieurs populations d'Algérie et de Tunisie, et basées sur les gènes mitochondriaux cytochrome b (Cytb) et cytochrome oxydase I (COI), ont soutenu la validité typologique de ces deux espèces. Récemment, des spécimens d'une seule population du sud de la Tunisie ont été morphologiquement identifiés comme des Ph. riouxi, Ph. chabaudi et intermédiaires, mais se sont retrouvés groupés dans le même clade selon leurs séquences de Cytb et de facteur d'élongation 1 alpha (EF-1a). Ces espèces ont donc été mises en synonymie. Afin d'explorer davantage cette synonymie, nous avons mené une étude moléculaire sur des spécimens d'Algérie et de Tunisie en utilisant les mêmes marqueurs moléculaires ainsi qu'une partie du 28S de l'ADN ribosomique. Aucun spécimen ne présentait de morphologie intermédiaire dans notre échantillonnage. Des différences entre les taux de variabilité génétique intra et interspécifiques des trois marqueurs ont été mises en évidence, ainsi que de nouveaux haplotypes. L'analyse des séquences n'a révélé
-
Phylogeography of the subgenus TransPhlebotomus Artemiev with description of two new species, Phlebotomus anatolicus n. sp. and Phlebotomus killicki n. sp.
Infection genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases, 2015Co-Authors: Ozge Erisoz Kasap, Jerôme Dépaquit, Vit Dvorak, Bulent Alten, Jan Votypka, Petr VolfAbstract:The subgenus TransPhlebotomus comprises sand fly species with distribution markedly restricted to the Mediterranean basin and suspected of Leishmania transmission. Only three species, Phlebotomus mascittii, Phlebotomus canaaniticus and Phlebotomus economidesi, have been described up to the present. Due to their similar morphology, proper identification remains difficult and relies mainly on molecular markers. We studied sand fly species of this subgenus from Crete and south-western coast of Anatolia. Based on the sequencing analysis of mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4, cytochrome oxidase I), two new TransPhlebotomus species were identified and subsequently distinguished also by morphological characters: Phlebotomus anatolicus n. sp. and Phlebotomus killicki n. sp. Moreover, Ph. economidesi, previously only recorded from Cyprus, was found in Turkey sympatrically with these two new species. Based on the divergence time estimates, the first split has occurred in the subgenus TransPhlebotomus ∼10 million years ago and the paleogeographic events took place around the Aegean and Mediterranean regions were suggested as the main drivers of the diversification of the subgenus. Our findings indicate that for TransPhlebotomus species, morphological identification should be confirmed by molecular approaches, especially for investigations concerning their possible vectorial role in Leishmania transmission.
-
Paraphyly of the subgenus AnaPhlebotomus and creation of MadaPhlebotomus subg. nov. (Phlebotominae: Phlebotomus)
Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 2015Co-Authors: Fano José Randrianambinintsoa, Jerôme Dépaquit, Nelly LégerAbstract:The systematic position of the Malagasy Phlebotomus (Diptera: Psychodidae) species was assessed in molecular phylogenetic studies. Three molecular markers were sequenced: cytochrome b of the mitochondrial DNA; ITS2, and the D8 domain of the ribosomal DNA. The following species were studied: Phlebotomus (AnaPhlebotomus) berentiensis, Phlebotomus (AnaPhlebotomus) fertei, Phlebotomus (AnaPhlebotomus) fontenillei, Phlebotomus (AnaPhlebotomus) vaomalalae and Phlebotomus (AnaPhlebotomus) vincenti from Madagascar; Phlebotomus (AnaPhlebotomus) stantoni from Asia, and Phlebotomus (AnaPhlebotomus) rodhaini from Africa. The following outgroups were selected: Phlebotomus (EuPhlebotomus) argentipes, Phlebotomus (EuPhlebotomus) barguesae, Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perfiliewi s.l. and Phlebotomus (Adlerius) simici. Each marker analysed by maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood supports the monophyly of the Malagasy Phlebotomus spp. Consequently, we create a new subgenus for these species: MadaPhlebotomus subg. nov. This molecular individualization is reinforced by the originality of their spermathecae and by the fact that their geographical distribution is limited to Madagascar, and considers the high level of endemism on this island.
Michele Maroli - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
seasonal phenology host blood feeding preferences and natural leishmania infection of Phlebotomus perniciosus diptera psychodidae in a high endemic focus of canine leishmaniasis in rome province italy
Acta Tropica, 2008Co-Authors: Erika Rossi, Gioia Bongiorno, E Ciolli, Trentina Di Muccio, Aldo Scalone, Luigi Gradoni, Marina Gramiccia, Michele MaroliAbstract:Abstract A 2-year survey aimed to study seasonal phenology, host-blood feeding preferences and Leishmania infections of Phlebotomus perniciosus , was carried out in a high-endemic focus of canine leishmaniasis in Rome province, Italy. Sandfly densities were monitored by sticky traps, while CDC light traps and hand collections were used for individual sandfly analyses. Four species were identified, three belonging to Phlebotomus ( P. perniciosus , Phlebotomus mascittii and Phlebotomus papatasi ) and one to Sergentomyia ( Sergentomyia minuta ) genera. In sticky traps, P. perniciosus (53.5%) and S. minuta (46.0%) were the prevalent species, whereas specimens collected by CDC light traps and hand collections consisted mostly of P. perniciosus . The study showed a markedly different sandfly density between 2003 and 2002 collections (5024 specimens versus 644 specimens, respectively), which was attributed to different climatic conditions. In 2003 adults were active during 7 months (May–November) with a typical bimodal distribution, while in 2002 their activity was shorter (5 months, June–October) without clear density peaks. In this low-density year, the prevalence of P. perniciosus was significantly higher in domestic than in wild resting sites. Blood meal tests showed that P. perniciosus had no preferences for any of the two Leishmania susceptible hosts, being the forage ratio rate 0.7 and 1.0 for man and dog, respectively. A significant number of P. perniciosus was found with avian (60.3%) or ovine (24.2%) blood, that was in relation with the habitats where fed specimens were collected. The rate of specimens of P. perniciosus without blood and found positive for Leishmania DNA, detected by a sensitive nested-PCR technique, was much higher (27.6%) than the promastigote infection rate determined by microscopy in the dissected females (1.4%). The intense Leishmania transmission in the study area was confirmed by the high prevalence of anti-leishmanial antibodies in dogs (33.3%).
-
A review of leishmaniasis in Dalmatia (Croatia) and results from recent surveys on phlebotomine sandflies in three southern counties
Acta Tropica, 2006Co-Authors: Sanja Bosnić, Luigi Gradoni, Cristina Khoury, Michele MaroliAbstract:Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a re-emerging disease in the Mediterranean area. A historical review on human and canine leishmaniasis in Croatia documents the presence of stable disease foci in coastal and insular territories of central and southern Dalmatia since the beginning of the 20th century. We report on a 3-year entomological investigation (2002-2004) aimed to study the current species composition and seasonality of phlebotomine sandflies in 10 localities of Dalmatia. Standard blacklight traps employed for sampling Culicoides midges in the frame of bluetongue disease surveillance were used for the first time in phlebotomine monitoring. A total of 2917 sandflies were collected and five species were identified, Phlebotomus tobbi, Phlebotomus neglectus, Phlebotomus perfiliewi, Phlebotomus mascittii and Sergentomyia minuta. Among the species, which may act as Leishmania infantum vectors, P. tobbi and P. neglectus were the most abundant.
-
ITS 2 sequences heterogeneity in Phlebotomus sergenti and Phlebotomus similis (Diptera, Psychodidae): possible consequences in their ability to transmit Leishmania tropica.
International journal for parasitology, 2002Co-Authors: Jerôme Dépaquit, Nicole Léger, Michele Maroli, Jean-antoine Rioux, Hubert Ferté, Fabienne Lefranc, Carlos Alves-pires, Hanafi A. Hanafi, Francisco Morillas-márquez, Milena SvobodováAbstract:An intraspecific study on Phlebotomus sergenti, the main and only proven vector of Leishmania tropica among the members of the subgenus ParaPhlebotomus was performed. The internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences of 12 populations from 10 countries (Cyprus, Egypt, Italy, Lebanon, Morocco, Pakistan, Portugal, Spain, Syria, and Turkey) were compared. Samples also included three species closely related to P. sergenti: Phlebotomus similis (three populations from Greece and Malta), Phlebotomus jacusieli and Phlebotomus kazeruni. Our results confirm the validity of the taxa morphologically characterised, and imply the revision of their distribution areas, which are explained through biogeographical events. At the Miocene time, a migration route, north of the Paratethys sea would have been followed by P. similis to colonise the north of the Caucasus, Crimea, Balkans including Greece and its islands, and western Turkey. Phlebotomus sergenti would have followed an Asiatic dispersion as well as a western migration route south of the Tethys sea to colonise North Africa and western Europe. This hypothesis seems to be well supported by high degree of variation observed in the present study, which is not related to colonisation or to intra-populational variation. Two groups can be individualised, one oriental and one western in connection with ecology, host preferences and distribution of L. tropica. We hypothesise that they could be correlated with differences in vectorial capacities.
Paul D. Ready - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Phlebotomus (ParaPhlebotomus) riouxi: a synonym of Phlebotomus chabaudi without any proven vectorial role in Tunisia and Algeria
Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 2014Co-Authors: Ahmed Tabbabi, J. Ghrab, Adel Rhim, Karim Aoun, Aïda Bouratbine, O Martin, Paul D. ReadyAbstract:Phlebotomus (ParaPhlebotomus) riouxi Depaquit, Leger & Killick-Kendrick (Diptera: Psychodidae) was described as a typological species based on a few morphological characters distinguishing it from Phlebotomus (ParaPhlebotomus) chabaudi Croset, Abonnenc & Rioux. The naming of P. riouxi coincided with its incrimination as a rural vector of Leishmania tropica Wright (junior synonym: Leishmania killicki Rioux, Lanotte & Pratlong) in Tataouine governorate, an arid region of southern Tunisia. The current report finds insufficient evidence to incriminate either phlebotomine sandfly as a vector of L. tropica in North Africa. Phlebotomus riouxi was found not to have the characteristics of a phylogenetic or biological species, and therefore it is synonymized with P. chabaudi. Both taxa were recorded together for the first time in Tunisia, in Tataouine, where three of 12 males showed intermediate morphology and both sexes of each taxon were not characterized by specific lineages of the nuclear gene elongation factor-1α or the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b, for which a long 3′ terminal fragment is recommended for phlebotomine phylogenetics. This case study indicates that the eco-epidemiology of leishmaniasis should focus more on identifying key components of vectorial transmission that are susceptible to interventions for disease control, rather than on defining sibling species of vectors.
-
Mitochondrial haplotypes and phylogeography of Phlebotomus vectors of Leishmania major
Insect molecular biology, 1997Co-Authors: S. Esseghir, Paul D. Ready, R. Killick-kendrick, R. Ben-ismailAbstract:Haplotypes of eight phlebotomine species were characterized by cycle sequencing a mitochondrial (mt) DNA fragment (cytochrome b to NADH1) amplified from single sandflies by PCR. Phlebotomus (Phlebotomus) papatasi displayed little variation throughout its large geographical range. We conclude that this vector of Leishmania major suffered a population bottleneck late in the Pleistocene and then radiated out from the eastern Mediterranean subregion. There was no support for a recent domestic lineage of P. papatasi. The mtDNA molecular clock in phlebotomines (subgenera Phlebotomus and Larroussius) was calibrated by reference to palaeogeographical events in Africa and the Mediterranean subregion. It fitted a pairwise nucleotide sequence divergence rate of 1.0-2.5% per million years. Co-evolution of L. major, its Phlebotomus vectors and mammalian reservoirs is discussed.
-
Retrotransposons and evolution in phlebotomines.
Parassitologia, 1991Co-Authors: D. R. Booth, Paul D. Ready, Deborah F SmithAbstract:The polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify a segment of the reverse transcriptase (RT) gene of putative retrotransposons from Phlebotomus (Larroussius) perniciosus, P. (L.) perfiliewi, P. (Phlebotomus) papatasi and Lutzomyia (Lutzomyia) longipalpis. Based on amino acid sequence comparisons with known RT genes, the amplified products of these species were shown to be derived from non-LTR retrotransposons related to the F element of Drosophila melanogaster. The usefulness of this technique is discussed in relation to taxonomy and genetic manipulation.
Ahmed Tabbabi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Phlebotomus (ParaPhlebotomus) riouxi: a synonym of Phlebotomus chabaudi without any proven vectorial role in Tunisia and Algeria
Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 2014Co-Authors: Ahmed Tabbabi, J. Ghrab, Adel Rhim, Karim Aoun, Aïda Bouratbine, O Martin, Paul D. ReadyAbstract:Phlebotomus (ParaPhlebotomus) riouxi Depaquit, Leger & Killick-Kendrick (Diptera: Psychodidae) was described as a typological species based on a few morphological characters distinguishing it from Phlebotomus (ParaPhlebotomus) chabaudi Croset, Abonnenc & Rioux. The naming of P. riouxi coincided with its incrimination as a rural vector of Leishmania tropica Wright (junior synonym: Leishmania killicki Rioux, Lanotte & Pratlong) in Tataouine governorate, an arid region of southern Tunisia. The current report finds insufficient evidence to incriminate either phlebotomine sandfly as a vector of L. tropica in North Africa. Phlebotomus riouxi was found not to have the characteristics of a phylogenetic or biological species, and therefore it is synonymized with P. chabaudi. Both taxa were recorded together for the first time in Tunisia, in Tataouine, where three of 12 males showed intermediate morphology and both sexes of each taxon were not characterized by specific lineages of the nuclear gene elongation factor-1α or the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b, for which a long 3′ terminal fragment is recommended for phlebotomine phylogenetics. This case study indicates that the eco-epidemiology of leishmaniasis should focus more on identifying key components of vectorial transmission that are susceptible to interventions for disease control, rather than on defining sibling species of vectors.
-
Habitats of the sandfly vectors of Leishmania tropica and L. major in a mixed focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis in southeast Tunisia.
Acta Tropica, 2011Co-Authors: Ahmed Tabbabi, Karim Aoun, Jamila Ghrab, Paul Donald Ready, Aïda BouratbineAbstract:From 2009 to 2010, 3129 sandflies were caught in CDC light traps placed in various habitats in Ghomrassen, Tataouine governorate, southeast Tunisia, a mixed focus of human cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania tropica and Leishmania major. Species diversity was quantified in anthropogenic, semi-anthropogenic and semi-natural locations. Sandflies were identified according to morphological characters and also by the comparative sequence analysis of a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to distinguish between two putative local vectors of L. tropica, namely Phlebotomus chabaudi and Phlebotomus riouxi. The lowest sandfly diversities were found in L. major sites, where the incriminated vector P. papatasi predominated in the burrows of the rodent reservoir hosts (Meriones) as well as inside and outside houses of human cases. In L. tropica sites, the incriminated peri-domestic vector Phlebotomus sergenti was the most abundant species inside houses, whereas P. riouxi or P. chabaudi was the dominant species in the semi-natural rocky habitats favoured by the putative rodent reservoir, Ctenodactylus gundi. All specimens of P. chabaudi identified molecularly had the diagnostic cytochrome b characters of P. riouxi, indicating either that the latter represents only a geographical variant of P. chabaudi or that these two species may sometimes hybridize.
