Molecular detection and characterization of Hemotrophic mycoplasmas in Streblidae flies parasites of bats

• Grant number: 18/05746-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2018
• End date: June 30, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Preventive Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Marcos Rogério André
• Grantee: Leticia Colovatti Mariano
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The genus Mycoplasma spp. comprises pleomorphic, small sized Gram-negative microorganisms known as hemoplasmas or hemotrophic mycoplasma, that are obligate intracellular parasites of the erythrocyte surface. These bacteria are the etiologic agents of hemoplasmosis, therefore responsible for clinical signs including weight loss, anemia, lethargy and sudden death. The transmission of these organisms occurs through hematophagous arthropod vectors (flies, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks and lice). The search for hemoplasma vectors is much needed, based on the zoonotic importance of these bacteria. Thus, the present study aims to investigate, using molecular techniques, the occurrence of hemoplasma in Streblidae diptera collected from bats captured in the Biological Reserve Tinguá, located in the northeast of the municipality of Nova Iguaçu, state of Rio de Janeiro. For this purpose, 400 individuals specimens of Strelidae diptera will be submitted to DNA extraction and subsequent PCR (cPCR) for Mycoplasma spp. based on 16S rRNA and RnaseP genes. The obtained sequences will be submitted to phylogenetic inferences in order to check their relatedness with species of hemoplasmas detected in humans, domestic and wild animals in Brazil and other parts of the world. This work will contribute to the understanding of the genetic diversity of mycoplasmas circulating in bats and its ectoparasites in Brazil.