The Experts below are selected from a list of 6531 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Pedro Marcos Linardi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
A new species of Tunga perforating the osteoderms of its armadillo host in Argentina and redescription of the male of Tunga terasma
Medical and veterinary entomology, 2015Co-Authors: María Cecilia Ezquiaga, Daniel Moreira De Avelar, Pedro Marcos Linardi, Marcela LareschiAbstract:A new species of Tunga (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) collected from armadillos in Argentina is described. The new species is characterized by large and pigmented eyes, the presence of two bristles on antennal segment II, two bristles at the base of the maxilla, and a discoid neosome compressed anteroposteriorly. The gravid female is located in the carapace of the host, perforating the osteoderms. The new species resembles Tunga penetrans and Tunga terasma in general appearance. However, it differs by the greater anteroposterior compression of the neosome, a more angular head, and a manubrium with a pointed proximal end and convex ventral margin (the proximal end of the manubrium is rounded or slightly pointed in T. terasma, and the ventral margin is straight in both T. penetrans and T. terasma). In addition, specimens of T. penetrans have more bristles in antennal segments II and III, and lack bristles in the posterior tibia. This is the first report of a species of Tunga perforating the osteoderms of its host and thereby showing a high degree of specialization. Tunga terasma is recorded for the first time in Argentina; the male is described again and the characteristics of the species amended. This information may be useful in epidemiological studies of diseases caused by species of Tunga.
-
Notes on the genus Tunga (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) II--neosomes, morphology, classification, and other taxonomic notes.
Parasite (Paris France), 2014Co-Authors: Pedro Marcos Linardi, Daniel Moreira De Avelar, Jean-claude Beaucournu, Sorya BelazAbstract:This review focuses on the neosomes, morphology, and taxonomy of adult species of the genus Tunga, complementing the previously published data on the phylogeny, ecology, and pathogenic role. Neosomes are structures formed after penetration of adult females into the skin of hosts resulting in significant enlargement, being the most characteristic and most frequently observed form in hosts. Neosomes can be differentiated by shape, measurements, and sites of attachment to principal hosts. The taxonomic value and morphometric data of the most widely used characteristics to separate species – such as frontal curvature, head chaetotaxy, preoral internal sclerotization, ventral and dorsal genal lobes, eyes, maxillary palps, fusion of pronotum and mesonotum, metacoxae, metatarsi chaetotaxy, spermatheca (females), manubrium, basimere, telomere, and phallosome (males) – are comparatively analyzed. The sexes, individual variations, undescribed species, higher taxa, as well as a proposal for division of the genus into two subgenera (Tunga and Brevidigita) are presented (as previously given by Wang). A key for females, males, and gravid females (neosomes) also is included for identifying the 13 known species. Data on host specificity and geographical distribution may also support the identification of Tunga species because some sand fleas and their hosts may have co-evolved.
-
Neosomes of tungid fleas on wild and domestic animals
Parasitology Research, 2014Co-Authors: Pedro Marcos Linardi, Daniel Moreira De AvelarAbstract:Tunga is the most specialized genus among the Siphonaptera because adult females penetrate into the skin of their hosts and, after mating and fertilization, undergo hypertrophy, forming an enlarged structure known as the neosome. In humans and other warm-blooded animals, neosomes cause tungiasis, which arises due to the action of opportunistic agents. Although its effects on humans and domestic animals are well described in the literature, little is known about the impact of tungiasis on wild animals. This review focuses on the morphology, taxonomy, geographical distribution, hosts, prevalence, sites of attachment, and impact of tungid neosomes on wild and domestic animals. Because neosomes are the most characteristic form of the genus Tunga and also the form most frequently found in hosts, they are here differentiated and illustrated to aid in the identification of the 13 currently known species. Perspectives for future studies regarding the possibility of discovering other sand flea species, adaptation to new hosts, and the transfer of tungids between hosts in natural and modified habitats are also presented.
-
Establishment of Tunga trimamillata (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) in Brazil
Parasitology research, 2013Co-Authors: Pedro Marcos Linardi, Daniel Moreira De Avelar, Elias Jorge Facury FilhoAbstract:Tunga trimamillata is a species of sand flea occurring in Ecuador and Peru parasitizing cattle, goat, sheep, swine, and man. This is the first report of this species in Brazil, having been found on the hooves of cows in Barretos, Sao Paulo State, and Felixlândia, Minas Gerais State, and previously misidentified as Tunga penetrans. A previous report concerning Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris from Rio Novo, Minas Gerais State, may also be attributed to that species of sand flea, a possible the primary host. Given the large geographical distribution of T. trimamillata, the vast cattle population in Brazil, and the high number of individuals subject to the risk of tungiasis, the number of cases attributed to this sand flea will most likely increase over time.
-
A New Species of Tunga (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) From Brazil With a Key to the Adult Species and Neosomes
Journal of medical entomology, 2012Co-Authors: Daniel Moreira De Avelar, Arício Xavier Linhares, Pedro Marcos LinardiAbstract:Tunga bossii new species of tungid sand flea belonging to the caecata group is described with illustrations of the adult female, parasitizing the wild rodent Delomys dorsalis (Hensel) from Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Tunga bossii differs from the ten other known species of Tunginae by the size of the first segment of the maxillary palp and the presence of two bristles at the base of the maxilla. Tunga bossii also can be differentiated from other species of the T. caecata group by the eye morphology. A key to the adult species and neosomes of the genus Tunga also is included.
Daniel Moreira De Avelar - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
A new species of Tunga perforating the osteoderms of its armadillo host in Argentina and redescription of the male of Tunga terasma
Medical and veterinary entomology, 2015Co-Authors: María Cecilia Ezquiaga, Daniel Moreira De Avelar, Pedro Marcos Linardi, Marcela LareschiAbstract:A new species of Tunga (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) collected from armadillos in Argentina is described. The new species is characterized by large and pigmented eyes, the presence of two bristles on antennal segment II, two bristles at the base of the maxilla, and a discoid neosome compressed anteroposteriorly. The gravid female is located in the carapace of the host, perforating the osteoderms. The new species resembles Tunga penetrans and Tunga terasma in general appearance. However, it differs by the greater anteroposterior compression of the neosome, a more angular head, and a manubrium with a pointed proximal end and convex ventral margin (the proximal end of the manubrium is rounded or slightly pointed in T. terasma, and the ventral margin is straight in both T. penetrans and T. terasma). In addition, specimens of T. penetrans have more bristles in antennal segments II and III, and lack bristles in the posterior tibia. This is the first report of a species of Tunga perforating the osteoderms of its host and thereby showing a high degree of specialization. Tunga terasma is recorded for the first time in Argentina; the male is described again and the characteristics of the species amended. This information may be useful in epidemiological studies of diseases caused by species of Tunga.
-
Notes on the genus Tunga (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) II--neosomes, morphology, classification, and other taxonomic notes.
Parasite (Paris France), 2014Co-Authors: Pedro Marcos Linardi, Daniel Moreira De Avelar, Jean-claude Beaucournu, Sorya BelazAbstract:This review focuses on the neosomes, morphology, and taxonomy of adult species of the genus Tunga, complementing the previously published data on the phylogeny, ecology, and pathogenic role. Neosomes are structures formed after penetration of adult females into the skin of hosts resulting in significant enlargement, being the most characteristic and most frequently observed form in hosts. Neosomes can be differentiated by shape, measurements, and sites of attachment to principal hosts. The taxonomic value and morphometric data of the most widely used characteristics to separate species – such as frontal curvature, head chaetotaxy, preoral internal sclerotization, ventral and dorsal genal lobes, eyes, maxillary palps, fusion of pronotum and mesonotum, metacoxae, metatarsi chaetotaxy, spermatheca (females), manubrium, basimere, telomere, and phallosome (males) – are comparatively analyzed. The sexes, individual variations, undescribed species, higher taxa, as well as a proposal for division of the genus into two subgenera (Tunga and Brevidigita) are presented (as previously given by Wang). A key for females, males, and gravid females (neosomes) also is included for identifying the 13 known species. Data on host specificity and geographical distribution may also support the identification of Tunga species because some sand fleas and their hosts may have co-evolved.
-
Neosomes of tungid fleas on wild and domestic animals
Parasitology Research, 2014Co-Authors: Pedro Marcos Linardi, Daniel Moreira De AvelarAbstract:Tunga is the most specialized genus among the Siphonaptera because adult females penetrate into the skin of their hosts and, after mating and fertilization, undergo hypertrophy, forming an enlarged structure known as the neosome. In humans and other warm-blooded animals, neosomes cause tungiasis, which arises due to the action of opportunistic agents. Although its effects on humans and domestic animals are well described in the literature, little is known about the impact of tungiasis on wild animals. This review focuses on the morphology, taxonomy, geographical distribution, hosts, prevalence, sites of attachment, and impact of tungid neosomes on wild and domestic animals. Because neosomes are the most characteristic form of the genus Tunga and also the form most frequently found in hosts, they are here differentiated and illustrated to aid in the identification of the 13 currently known species. Perspectives for future studies regarding the possibility of discovering other sand flea species, adaptation to new hosts, and the transfer of tungids between hosts in natural and modified habitats are also presented.
-
Establishment of Tunga trimamillata (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) in Brazil
Parasitology research, 2013Co-Authors: Pedro Marcos Linardi, Daniel Moreira De Avelar, Elias Jorge Facury FilhoAbstract:Tunga trimamillata is a species of sand flea occurring in Ecuador and Peru parasitizing cattle, goat, sheep, swine, and man. This is the first report of this species in Brazil, having been found on the hooves of cows in Barretos, Sao Paulo State, and Felixlândia, Minas Gerais State, and previously misidentified as Tunga penetrans. A previous report concerning Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris from Rio Novo, Minas Gerais State, may also be attributed to that species of sand flea, a possible the primary host. Given the large geographical distribution of T. trimamillata, the vast cattle population in Brazil, and the high number of individuals subject to the risk of tungiasis, the number of cases attributed to this sand flea will most likely increase over time.
-
A New Species of Tunga (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) From Brazil With a Key to the Adult Species and Neosomes
Journal of medical entomology, 2012Co-Authors: Daniel Moreira De Avelar, Arício Xavier Linhares, Pedro Marcos LinardiAbstract:Tunga bossii new species of tungid sand flea belonging to the caecata group is described with illustrations of the adult female, parasitizing the wild rodent Delomys dorsalis (Hensel) from Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Tunga bossii differs from the ten other known species of Tunginae by the size of the first segment of the maxillary palp and the presence of two bristles at the base of the maxilla. Tunga bossii also can be differentiated from other species of the T. caecata group by the eye morphology. A key to the adult species and neosomes of the genus Tunga also is included.
Massimo Trentini - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Sand flea (Tunga spp.) infections in humans and domestic animals: state of the art.
Medical and veterinary entomology, 2009Co-Authors: Silvio Pampiglione, Marialetizia Fioravanti, Andrea Gustinelli, G Onore, Barbara Mantovani, Andrea Luchetti, Massimo TrentiniAbstract:Tungiasis is a parasitic disease of humans and animals caused by fleas (Siphonaptera) belonging to the genus Tunga. Two species, Tunga penetrans (L.) and Tunga trimamillata, out of 10 described to date, are known to affect man or domestic animals; the other eight are exclusive to a few species of wild mammals. Tunga penetrans and T. trimamillata originated from Latin America, although the first species is also found in sub-Saharan Africa (between 20 degrees N and 25 degrees S). Hundreds of millions of people are at risk of infection in more than 70 nations, mostly in developing countries. The second species has been reported only in Ecuador and Peru. Males and non-fertilized females of Tunga are haematophagous ectoparasites; pregnant females penetrate the skin where, following dilatation of the abdomen, they increase enormously in size (neosomy) and cause inflammatory and ulcerative processes of varying severity. The importance of Tunga infection in humans concerns its frequent localization in the foot, which sometimes causes very serious difficulty in walking, thereby reducing the subject's ability to work and necessitating medical and surgical intervention. Tungiasis in domestic animals can be responsible for economic losses resulting from flea-induced lesions and secondary infections. Because tungiasis represents a serious problem for tropical public health and because of the recent description of a new species (Tunga trimamillata), it seems appropriate to review current knowledge of the morphology, molecular taxonomy, epidemiology, pathology, treatment and control of sand fleas of the genus Tunga.
-
Wolbachia superinfection in an Ecuadorian sample of the sand-flea Tunga penetrans (Preliminary note)
2005Co-Authors: Andrea Luchetti, Barbara Mantovani, Massimo TrentiniAbstract:Wolbachia spp. are intracellular endosymbionts that cause reproductive alterations in their hosts. We here demonstrate the coexistence (superinfection) of both the arthropod- and the filarial-infecting strain in a sample of Tunga penetrans (L.) from Ecuador.
-
Wolbachia infection in the newly described Ecuadorian sand flea, Tunga trimamillata.
Experimental parasitology, 2004Co-Authors: Andrea Luchetti, Marialetizia Fioravanti, Barbara Mantovani, Massimo TrentiniAbstract:Wolbachia pipientis is an intracellular endosymbiont producing reproductive alterations in its hosts. This bacterium have been reported in many arthropods and nematodes. By PCR amplification and sequencing of the 16S rDNA and ftsZ genes we have identified a Wolbachia strain in the newly described sand-flea, Tunga trimamillata. Prevalence of this endosymbiont in the 26 individuals screened is equal to 35%. Sympatric and allopatric specimens of the related species Tunga penetrans were also analysed, but in contrast to literature data, Wolbachia appears absent in the presently analysed 24 specimens. Field studies evidence a female-biased sex-ratio in T. trimamillata, suggesting that Wolbachia may cause sex-ratio distortion in this species. By means of BLAST search and phylogenetic analysis we found that the Wolbachia strain from T. trimamillata pertains to the arthropod-infecting Wolbachia; this strain is highly differentiated from the Wolbachia strain of T. penetrans described in literature.
-
Additional description of a new species of Tunga (Siphonaptera) from Ecuador.
Parasite (Paris France), 2003Co-Authors: Silvio Pampiglione, G Onore, Massimo Trentini, M.l. Fioravanti, Francesco RivasiAbstract:Une nouvelle espece de chique appartenant au genre Tunga Jarocki, 1838 (Siphonaptera, Pulicidae, Tunginae), Tunga irimamillata, a ete recemment decrite par Pampiglione et al. (2002). les auteurs donnent ici une meilleure description et plusieurs details de l'epidemiologie de cette nouvelle espece. La chique a ete trouvee dans la localite andine de Santa Isabel, en Equateur, chez des chevres, des porcs et des bœufs. La nouvelle espece se differencie de la plus proche espece de ce genre, Tunga penetrans (L., 1758), par plusieurs caracteres morphologiques, les plus importants etant constitues par: a) la presence a l'extremite anterieure de la femelle gravide de trois protuberances encerclant la tete et le thorax qui, toutefois, ne sont pas visibles en observation de profil; b) des dimensions legerement plus glandes; c) le premier segment des palpes maxillaires qui est le plus long des quatre.
Vicente Maco - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
An ectopic case of Tunga spp. infection in Peru.
The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene, 2010Co-Authors: Vicente Maco, Eduardo GotuzzoAbstract:Tungiasis is a neglected ectoparasitism of impoverished areas in South America and sub-Saharan Africa. The sand flea Tunga spp. preferably infests the soles and the periungueal and interdigital regions of the feet. Ectopic tungiasis is rare, even in highly endemic areas. We describe a case of an indigenous patient in Peru who presented with a nodular lesion in the extensor aspect of the knee and whose biopsy was compatible with Tunga spp. This is the first documented case of knee tungiasis in an endemic country. The historical, clinical, histological, and current epidemiological aspects of tungiasis in Peru are discussed here.
Silvio Pampiglione - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
Sand flea (Tunga spp.) infections in humans and domestic animals: state of the art.
Medical and veterinary entomology, 2009Co-Authors: Silvio Pampiglione, Marialetizia Fioravanti, Andrea Gustinelli, G Onore, Barbara Mantovani, Andrea Luchetti, Massimo TrentiniAbstract:Tungiasis is a parasitic disease of humans and animals caused by fleas (Siphonaptera) belonging to the genus Tunga. Two species, Tunga penetrans (L.) and Tunga trimamillata, out of 10 described to date, are known to affect man or domestic animals; the other eight are exclusive to a few species of wild mammals. Tunga penetrans and T. trimamillata originated from Latin America, although the first species is also found in sub-Saharan Africa (between 20 degrees N and 25 degrees S). Hundreds of millions of people are at risk of infection in more than 70 nations, mostly in developing countries. The second species has been reported only in Ecuador and Peru. Males and non-fertilized females of Tunga are haematophagous ectoparasites; pregnant females penetrate the skin where, following dilatation of the abdomen, they increase enormously in size (neosomy) and cause inflammatory and ulcerative processes of varying severity. The importance of Tunga infection in humans concerns its frequent localization in the foot, which sometimes causes very serious difficulty in walking, thereby reducing the subject's ability to work and necessitating medical and surgical intervention. Tungiasis in domestic animals can be responsible for economic losses resulting from flea-induced lesions and secondary infections. Because tungiasis represents a serious problem for tropical public health and because of the recent description of a new species (Tunga trimamillata), it seems appropriate to review current knowledge of the morphology, molecular taxonomy, epidemiology, pathology, treatment and control of sand fleas of the genus Tunga.
-
Additional description of a new species of Tunga (Siphonaptera) from Ecuador.
Parasite (Paris France), 2003Co-Authors: Silvio Pampiglione, G Onore, Massimo Trentini, M.l. Fioravanti, Francesco RivasiAbstract:Une nouvelle espece de chique appartenant au genre Tunga Jarocki, 1838 (Siphonaptera, Pulicidae, Tunginae), Tunga irimamillata, a ete recemment decrite par Pampiglione et al. (2002). les auteurs donnent ici une meilleure description et plusieurs details de l'epidemiologie de cette nouvelle espece. La chique a ete trouvee dans la localite andine de Santa Isabel, en Equateur, chez des chevres, des porcs et des bœufs. La nouvelle espece se differencie de la plus proche espece de ce genre, Tunga penetrans (L., 1758), par plusieurs caracteres morphologiques, les plus importants etant constitues par: a) la presence a l'extremite anterieure de la femelle gravide de trois protuberances encerclant la tete et le thorax qui, toutefois, ne sont pas visibles en observation de profil; b) des dimensions legerement plus glandes; c) le premier segment des palpes maxillaires qui est le plus long des quatre.
