Microbiome comparison of Dermanyssus gallinae populations from different farm rearing systems and the presence of common endosymbiotic bacteria at developmental stages.

The hematophagous arthropod, Dermanyssus gallinae (Poultry red mite, PRM) can cause remarkable economic losses in the poultry industry across the globe. Although overall composition of endosymbiotic bacteria has been shown in previous studies, how farm habitats influence the microbiome remains unclear. In the present study, we compared the bacterial communities of D. gallinae populations collected from the cage and free-range farms using next-generation sequences targeting the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. The QIIME2 pipeline was followed in bioinformatic analyses. Proteobacteria represented a great majority of the total bacterial community of D. gallinae from both farming systems. More specifically, Bartonella-like bacteria (40.8%) and Candidatus Cardinium (21.5%) were found to be predominant genera in free-range and cage rearing systems, respectively. However, the microbiome variation based on farming systems was not statistically significant. In addition, the presence of the five common endosymbiotic bacteria (Wolbachia, Cardinium, Rickettsiella, Spiroplasma, and Schineria) was screened in different developmental stages of D. gallinae. Cardinium was detected in all developmental stages of D. gallinae. On the other hand, Wolbachia and Rickettsiella were only found in adults/nymphs, but neither in the eggs nor larvae. To our knowledge, this study provides the first microbiome comparison at genus-level in D. gallinae populations collected from different farm habitats and will contribute to the knowledge of the biology of D. gallinae.

A Rare Case of Oral Myiasis Caused by Phormia regina (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in an Intubated Patient

Myiasis is the infestation of tissues with living larvae. Oral myiasis is an extremely rare form of the disease, with open mouth, unconsciousness, and poor oral hygiene being the predisposing factors. It is generally observed in the tropics or subtropics, as well as rural places with low socio-economic income. Mechanical removal and ivermectin are frequently used as treatments. Herein, we present a case of oral myiasis in a 69-year-old male intubated patient with myocardial infarction. Multiple larvae were observed in the mouth and mechanically removed. With the microscopic investigation, the larvae were identified as Phormia regina (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), which is extremely rare globally. For preventing oral myiasis, good patient care, good sanitary practice for oral health, efficient treatment of dental diseases, and fly population control, usage of masks for the risk groups are recommended.

Biochemical and molecular mechanisms of acaricide resistance in Dermanyssus gallinae populations from Turkey.

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, is the most important blood sucking ectoparasite of egg laying hens and causes economic losses in poultry farms worldwide. Although various management methods exist, the control of poultry red mites (PRMs) mainly relies on acaricides such as pyrethroids and organophosphates (OPs) in many regions of the world. However, repeated use of these synthetic chemicals has resulted in resistance development causing control failure of PRM. In this study, we investigated acaricide resistance mechanisms of Turkish PRM populations. First, we obtained the COI sequence from 30 PRM populations from different regions in Turkey and identified four different COI haplotypes. Toxicity assays showed that four field-collected PRM populations were highly resistant to the pyrethroid alpha-cypermethrin, with resistance ratios (RRs) varying between 100- and 400-fold, while two of these populations had a RR of more than 24-fold against the OP acaricide phoxim. Biochemical assays showed a relatively higher activity of glutathione-S-transferases and carboxyl-cholinesterases, two well-known classes of detoxification enzymes, in one of these resistant populations. In addition, we also screened for mutations in the gene encoding the voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) and acetylcholinesterase 1 (ace-1), the target-site of pyrethroids and OPs, respectively. In all but two PRM populations, at least one vgsc mutation was detected. A total of four target-site mutations, previously associated with pyrethroid resistance, M918T, T929I, F1534L, F1538L were found in domain II and III of the VGSC. The T929I mutation was present in the vgsc of almost all PRM populations, while the other mutations were only found at low frequency. The G119S/A mutation in ace-1, previously associated with OP resistance, was found in PRM for the first time and present in fourteen populations. Last, both alive and dead PRMs were genotyped after pesticide exposure and supported the possible role of target-site mutations, T929I and G119S, in alpha-cypermethrin and phoxim resistance, respectively. To conclude, our study provides a current overview of resistance levels and resistance mutations in Turkish PRM populations and might aid in the design of an effective resistance management program of PRM in Turkey.

Evaluation of in-house factors affecting the population distribution of Dermanyssus gallinae in cage and backyard rearing systems by using a modified monitoring method.

Dermanyssus gallinae (poultry red mite, PRM) is a main ectoparasite of poultry that represents a serious economic threat to all farming systems, including cages and backyard flocks. In recent years, economic losses associated with this ectoparasite have progressively increased, mainly because of the lack of information regarding its population dynamics and appropriate control methods. In this study, we used a modified monitoring method to examine the in-house factors affecting the population density of D. gallinae. PRMs have been found in all poultry houses examined in Turkey. The largest population was detected in the front and back parts of the middle rows in cage systems as well as in perches in backyard systems. Relative humidity, light, and temperature might be the most affecting factors on the mite distribution inside the poultry houses. Besides, the mite populations are influenced mainly by the last (chemical) treatment date and the construction materials of the building. Dermanyssus gallinae were found to be the most dominant mite species (98.9%), followed by Cheyletus sp. (Cheyletidae); also some Acaridae (Tyrophagus spp.) and Oribatida were identified. Hence, further research on Cheyletus sp. is required to elucidate their predatory potential and develop future control strategies. This study contributes to understanding the PRM population behavior in poultry houses as well as their monitoring and control methods, which are key components in the appropriate application of integrated pest management programs.

Turkey tick news: A molecular investigation into the presence of tick-borne pathogens in host-seeking ticks in Anatolia; Initial evidence of putative vectors and pathogens, and footsteps of a secretly rising vector tick, Haemaphysalis parva.

This Turkey-based study investigated the presence of various tick-borne microorganisms in a broad-range of host-seeking ticks (n = 1019) that exhibit both hunter and ambusher characteristics. All collected ticks were analyzed individually via PCR-sequencing, resulting in the identification of 18 different microorganisms: six Babesia spp., including one putative novel species (Ba. occultans, Ba. crassa, Ba. rossi, Babesia sp. tavsan1, Babesia sp. tavsan2, and Babesia sp. nov.); six SFG rickettsiae (Ri. aeschlimannii, Ri. s. mongolitimonae, Ri. slovaca, Ri. raoultii, Ri. monacensis, and Ri. hoogstraalii); two Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato spp. (Bo. afzelii and Bo. lusitaniae); two unnamed Hepatozoon spp.; Theileria annulata; and Hemolivia mauritanica. This provided evidence for the natural transstadial survival of these tick-borne microorganisms in adult ticks (in addition a nymph) of Turkey. Surprisingly, this study determined the presence of five different microorganisms (Ba. crassa, Ba. rossi, Babesia sp. Ucbas, Hepatozoon sp., and Ri. hoogstraalii) in host-seeking Haemaphysalis parva adults, for which poor data exist on its vectorial competence. Therefore, this study provides important data indicating the potential vectorial capacity of Ha. parva. This study also revealed the presence of the close ecological and evolutionary relationships between two important vector ticks, Hyalomma marginatum and Hy. aegyptium and determined genetic variations (distinct phylogenetic divergences inside the main clades) in some pathogenic SFG rickettsiae that are found in these ticks. Additionally, the presence of two Babesia species described very recently in hares with unknown vectors, namely Babesia sp. tavsan1 and Babesia sp. tavsan2, were detected for the first time in ticks. Finally, two unnamed Hepatozoon spp. were detected in Haemaphysalis ticks and their phylogenetic positions were demonstrated. Consequently, this study provides important data on the diversity of tick-borne microorganisms in host-seeking ticks and on potentially novel microorganisms (Babesia and Hepatozoon species) and their possible vectors (Ha. parva, Ha. sulcata, Hy. aegyptium, Hy. marginatum, and Rh. turanicus).

Molecular detection of a novel Babesia sp. and pathogenic spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks collected from hedgehogs in Turkey: Haemaphysalis erinacei, a novel candidate vector for the genus Babesia.

In this study, a total of 319 ticks were obtained from hedgehogs (Erinaceus concolor). All ticks were pooled into groups and screened by PCR for tick-borne pathogens (TBPs). PCR and sequence analyses identified the presence of a novel Babesia sp. in adult Haemaphysalis erinacei. In addition, the presence of natural transovarial transmission of this novel Babesia sp. was detected in Ha. erinacei. According to the 18S rRNA (nearly complete) and partial rRNA locus (ITS-1/5.8S/ITS-2) phylogeny, it was determined that this new species is located within the Babesia sensu stricto clade and is closely related to Babesia spp. found in carnivores. Furthermore, the presence of three pathogenic spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae was determined in 65.8% of the tick pools: Rickettsia sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae in Hyalomma aegyptium (adult), Hyalomma spp. (larvae), Rhipicephalus turanicus (adult), and Ha. erinacei (adult); Rickettsia aeschlimannii in H. aegyptium (adult); Rickettsia slovaca in Hyalomma spp. (larvae and nymphs) and H. aegyptium (adult). To our knowledge, this is the first report of R. sibirica mongolitimonae in H. aegyptium, Ha. erinacei, and Rh. turanicus, and the first report of R. slovaca in H. aegyptium. In addition, the presence of a single Hemolivia mauritanica haplotype was detected in H. aegyptium adults. Consequently, the presence of a novel Babesia sp. has been identified in a new candidate vector tick species in this study. Additionally, three SFG rickettsiae that cause infections in humans were identified in ticks collected from hedgehogs. Therefore, environmental wildlife monitoring for hedgehogs should be carried out for ticks and tick-borne pathogens in the region. Additionally, studies regarding the reservoir status of hedgehogs for the aforementioned pathogens must be carried out.

Hepatozoon canis in Turkish red foxes and their ticks.

Hepatozoon canis infection is a tick-borne protozoan disease that manifests clinically as a moderate-to-severe disease in domestic dogs. Although the presence of H. canis has been reported in dogs, the wildlife component of the infection is not currently known in Turkey. In this study, we report the presence of H. canis infection in Turkish foxes and their ticks, Haemaphysalis parva. We emphasize that the role of the fox must be considered in the ecology of the disease in Turkey and detailed studies are needed on the vectorial competence of Ha. parva ticks for H. canis.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in ticks in Turkey: A broad range tick surveillance study.

In Turkey, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) outbreaks started in northern regions in 2002. Human cases still continue to increase and the disease spreads in many other provinces of Turkey. The ecological role of the vector tick species occurring in Turkey is not certain exactly. Therefore, we planned a broad range tick study in three different ecological and geographical areas extending from the West Black Sea regions down to the Central Anatolia. The aim of this study was to determine and characterize CCHFV molecularly in feeding-ticks collected from various wild and domestic animals and from humans as well as in questing and unfed ticks. In this study, 4283 tick samples derived from 21 tick species were collected from 76 villages and 10 central districts in total. All tick pools were screened for the presence of CCHFV RNA by two nested RT-PCRs. PCR assays were positive for 27 (3.6%) of 736 pools. CCHFV was detected in Hyalomma marginatum, Dermacentor marginatus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Hyalomma excavatum and Haemaphysalis parva pools. As a result of the phylogenetic analysis, it was determined that the obtained CCHFV sequences are clustered into Europe 1 clade. CCHFV was detected among ticks obtained from cattle, goats, wild boar, hare, and the ground. The presence of CCHFV in ticks obtained from various domestic and wild hosts and the nature, and thereby the distribution patterns of the virus in different ecological areas were presented in this study. Furthermore, CCHFV was also detected in unusual tick species. Consequently, these results indicate that tick surveillance studies in large-scale and wide varieties contribute to the ecology and epidemiology of CCHF in that region, and can be used as an early-warning system.

Identification of tick-borne pathogens in ticks feeding on humans in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: The importance of tick-borne diseases is increasing all over the world, including Turkey. The tick-borne disease outbreaks reported in recent years and the abundance of tick species and the existence of suitable habitats increase the importance of studies related to the epidemiology of ticks and tick-borne pathogens in Turkey. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of and to determine the infection rates of some tick-borne pathogens, including Babesia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and spotted fever group rickettsiae in the ticks removed from humans in different parts of Ankara. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A total of 169 ticks belonging to the genus Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus were collected by removing from humans in different parts of Ankara. Ticks were molecularly screened for Babesia spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and spotted fever group rickettsiae by PCR and sequencing analysis. We detected 4 Babesia spp.; B. crassa, B. major, B. occultans and B. rossi, one Borrelia spp.; B. burgdorferi sensu stricto and 3 spotted fever group rickettsiae; R. aeschlimannii, R. slovaca and R. hoogstraalii in the tick specimens analyzed. This is the report showing the presence of B. rossi in a region that is out of Africa and in the host species Ha. parva. In addition, B. crassa, for which limited information is available on its distribution and vector species, and B. occultans, for which no conclusive information is available on its presence in Turkey, were identified in Ha. parva and H. marginatum, respectively. Two human pathogenic rickettsia species (R. aeschlimannii and R. slovaca) were detected with a high prevalence in ticks. Additionally, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto was detected in unusual tick species (H. marginatum, H. excavatum, Hyalomma spp. (nymph) and Ha. parva). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study investigates both the distribution of several tick-borne pathogens affecting humans and animals, and the presence of new tick-borne pathogens in Turkey. More epidemiological studies are warranted for B. rossi, which is very pathogenic for dogs, because the presented results suggest that B. rossi might have a wide distribution in Turkey. Furthermore, we recommend that tick-borne pathogens, especially R. aeschlimannii, R. slovaca, and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, should be taken into consideration in patients who had a tick bite in Turkey.

Spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks in Turkey.

One hundred twenty-six ticks belonging to 12 tick species were collected from humans, domestic and wild animals, and from the ground as unfed (questing ticks) from distinct localities in Turkey in 2011. Ticks were individually tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Rickettsia spp., amplifying citrate synthase (gltA), and outer membrane protein (ompA) genes. Twenty-five ticks (19.8%) were found to be infected with Rickettsia species. Five SFG rickettsiae were identified, including 4 pathogens: Ri. aeschlimannii in Hyalomma marginatum, Hy. aegyptium, Hyalomma sp. (nymph), and Rhipicephalus turanicus; Ri. africae in Hy. excavatum, Hy. aegyptium, and Hyalomma sp. (nymph); Ri. slovaca and Ri. raoultii in Dermacentor marginatus; and one species with unknown pathogenicity, Ri. hoogstraalii, in Haemaphysalis parva. Rickettsia slovaca and Ri. hoogstraalii were reported for the first time from Turkey. In addition, Ri. hoogstraalii and Ri. africae were detected for the first time in Ha. parva and Hy. excavatum ticks, respectively.

Prevalence of subclinical coccidiosis in broiler farms in Turkey.

The presence of Eimeria spp. oocysts in fecal samples collected from 1,108 broiler houses in six regions, representing about 12% of all broiler farms in Turkey, was studied using the modified McMaster method. The age of the chickens in the 1,108 pens varied from 1 to 50 days. Oocysts were found in 602 (54.3%) of these broiler houses, and the mean OPG (oocysts per gram of feces) in those samples was 36,498.7 (50-952,000). No indication of clinical coccidiosis or other clinically evident infection or wide mortality was encountered in any of the pens studied. Further study showed that the age of the chickens, the occurrence of diarrhea on the houses and the density of broiler breeding in the area correlated with subclinical coccidiosis prevalence.

[A case of urogenital myiasis caused by Psychoda albipennis (Diptera: Nematocera)]. / Psychoda albipennis'in (Diptera: Nematocera) neden oldugu ürogenital miyazis olgusu.

Myiasis which is a parasitic disease of humans and vertebrates, is caused by dipterous fly larvae feeding on the host's necrotic or living tissue. Although infestation by fly larvae is much more prevalent in animals, it occurs relatively frequently in humans in rural, tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and America. Myiasis is usually associated with poor general health and hygiene, restricted mobility and ulcerating lesions. The pathophysiology of the human infection differs depending on the fly species and where the larvae are located. It could be external or internal, and the invasion by the maggot could be obligatory, facultative and sometimes acci-dental. Myiasis is a self-limiting infestation with minimal morbidity in the vast majority of cases. Urogenital myiasis, associated with urinary obstruction, poor hygiene of the local site and ulcerating lesions has been infrequently reported. In this report, a case of 29 year-old male patient who presented with genitourinary myiasis caused by Psychoda albipennis (Diptera: Nematocera), was presented. The patient was admitted to the hospital with the complaints of urinary incontinence of one week duration and presence of small, thin, motile, grayishwhite objects in his urine. Physical examination, blood and urine examination and stool microscopy revealed no pathology. No growth was detected in his urine culture. The examination of discharged larva in urine sample at Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency, Parasitology Laboratory led to the diagnosis of urogenital myiasis. No risk factor was identified in the patient who had proper hygienic conditions, was living in urban area and was of high socioeconomic status. This case was presented to withdraw attention to myiasis which is frequent in Turkey, however, is usually overlooked.

[Some biological features of Hyalomma marginatum in the laboratory]. / Laboratuvarda Hyalomma marginatum'un Bazi Biyolojik Özellikleri.

OBJECTIVE: This study has been planned to investigate some biological features of Hyalomma marginatum, which is one of the important vectors in the world and in our country. METHODS: The study started with the adult H. marginatum which were collected from cattle in the field and attempts were made for these to be adapted to the laboratory by breeding in the laboratory throughout a generation. Unfed adult ticks and unfed larvae were bred on the rabbit ear while unfed nymphs were bred on the calf ear. The biologic development stages of this tick kind, except for sucking blood stage, passed in an incubator which was at a temperature of 28°C and 85% relative humidity, while the unfed active stages passed in an incubator which was at 18°C and 85% relative humidity to conserve for a long time. RESULTS: Unfed females on rabbits were full and fell in approximately 15 days, began to ovulate 20.5 days later and ovulated for 16 days. The larvae which hatched out approximately 29 days later became active in 8.5 days. These larvae sucked blood from rabbits for 14.5 days and abandoned these animals as full nymphs. Unfed adult ticks, which existed as a result of these nymphs casting off their skin in approximately 26 days, became active by completing their cutinization in approximately 10 days. CONCLUSION: At the end of the study, it was determined that H. marginatum showed 2 different behaviors in rabbits. According to this, the total life cycle in the laboratory environment changed by between 97 and 182 days and lasted approximately 138.5 days.

Ticks on humans in Ankara, Turkey.

In this study, a total of 5,094 ticks found on humans were examined in terms of species, development stage, gender, host features and seasonality for a year period. Of these ticks 17 were argasid and 5,077 were ixodid. Predominantly species of the ixodid genera Hyalomma, Dermacentor, Rhipicephalus and Haemaphysalis were found on humans in Ankara (Anatolia). Most abundant were Hyalomma nymphs (29.8%) and adults (28.2%). Primary factors in terms of tick bite risk were region, habitat and season.

[Comparison of the ability to fertilize females by Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum males irradiated with gamma radiation from caesium 137 with non-irradiated males]. / Caesium-137 Kaynakli Gamma Radyasyonla Isinlanmis Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum Erkeklerinin Bir Arada Bulunduklari Isinlanmamis Erkekler ile Disileri Dölleme Yetilerinin Karsilastirilmasi.

In this study, Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum male ticks were subjected to gamma radiation with a dose of 10 Gy emitted by a gamma-ray source of Caesium 137. Female ticks were divided into 3 groups and placed in rabbit ears to feed. In the first group, the females fed with normal and irradiated males, in the second group females fed only with irradiated males and in last group females fed with normal males. Biological parameters such as the feeding period, weights, period of time from dropping until egg-laying began, the number of eggs and the number of larva hatching from eggs were recorded. With the results of statistical analysis it was found that the average egg laying period of females in the second group was clearly less (22.77 days) than other groups and the difference between these groups was statistically important (P < 0.05). After evaluation of numbers of larva, also there was a statistically important difference between the groups and the average number of larva was clearly higher (2519.30) in third group than other groups. In conclusion, in this study it was found that irradiated males could not compete with normal males in mating with females and because of this they couldn't affect the feeding and reproductivity of females.