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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Comparative analysis of the midgut microbiota of two natural tick vectors of Rickettsia rickettsii

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Author(s):
Pavanelo, Daniel B. [1] ; Schroder, Nicolas C. H. [1] ; Pin Viso, Natalia D. [2] ; Martins, Larissa A. [1, 3] ; Malossi, Camila D. [1] ; Galletti, Maria F. B. M. [1, 4] ; Labruna, Marcelo B. [5] ; Daffre, Sirlei [1] ; Farber, Marisa [2] ; Fogaca, Andrea C. [1]
Total Authors: 10
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biomed Sci, Dept Parasitol, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] INTA CONICET, Inst Agrobiotechnol & Mol Biol, IABiMo, Buenos Aires, DF - Argentina
[3] Czech Acad Sci, Inst Parasitol, Biol Ctr, Ceske Budejovice 37005 - Czech Republic
[4] Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, Rickettsia Zoonoses Branch, Div Vector Borne Dis, Natl Ctr Emerging & Zoonot Infect Dis, Atlanta, GA - USA
[5] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Vet Med & Husb, Dept Prevent Vet Med & Anim Hlth, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY; v. 106, MAY 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Although the ticks Amblyomma sculptum and Amblyomma aureolatum are important vectors of Rickettsia rickettsii, causative agent of the life-threatening Rocky Mountain spotted fever, A. aureolatum is considerably more susceptible to infection than A. sculptum. As the microbiota can interfere with the colonization of arthropod midgut (MG) by pathogens, in the current study we analyzed the MG microbiota of both tick species. Our results revealed that the MG of A. aureolatum harbors a prominent microbiota, while A. sculptum does not. Remarkably, a significant reduction of the bacterial load was recorded in R. rickettsii-infected A. aureolatum. In addition, the taxonomy analysis of the MG bacterial community of A. aureolatum revealed a dominance of the genus Francisella, suggesting an endosymbiosis. This study is the first step in getting insights into the mechanisms underlying the interactions among Amblyomma species, their microbiota and R. rickettsii. Additional studies to better understand these mechanisms are required and may help the development of novel alternatives to block rickettsial transmission. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/26450-2 - Molecular characterization of the interactions among ticks, rickettsiae and vertebrate hosts
Grantee:Sirlei Daffre
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants