Procesos celulares modificados en Aedes aegypti infectados con Wolbachia y la susceptibilidad al virus dengue.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la expresión diferencial de proteínas de Aedes aegypti infectados con Wolbachia y su asociación con el ciclo viral del virus dengue (DENV). Material y métodos. Se revisó una base de datos de proteínas de Ae. aegypti infec-tados y no infectados con Wolbachia, cepa wMel y se buscaron estas en revistas indizadas, que hablaran de la proteína y el ciclo viral de DENV. RESULTADOS: La expresión diferencial de proteínas de los mosquitos durante la infección con Wolbachia intervienen en los procesos de entrada, replicación y salida del DENV. CONCLUSIONES: Existen cambios en la expresión de proteínas de células infectadas con Wolbachia, que son necesarias para el ciclo de replicación de DENV, explicando porque algunos mosquitos infectados con Wolbachia son refractarios a la infección por DENV.

Aedes albopictus infection by the native bacterium Elizabethkingia anophelis in Southern Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of Elizabethkingia anophelis infection in Aedes albopictus wild populations of Southern Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight sites were selected to collect Aedes albopictus in the Soconusco region, Chiapas, females were analyzed to amplify the Gyrase B gene by PCR, the minimum infection rate of E. anopheliswas calculated and its species was determined by sequencing and phylogeny. RESULTS: The presence of E. anophelis was only observed in Huehuetán with a minimum infection rate of 37.8%. CONCLUSION: A local strain of E. anophelis was detected for the first time in Ae. albopictus from Chiapas and this bacterium could be considered a candidate for study as a probable control agent or as a vehicle for transgenesis.

Detección de Rickettsia typhi en Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. y Amblyomma mixtum en el sur de México / Detection of Rickettsia typhi in Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. and Amblyomma mixtum in South Mexico

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar la presencia de Rickettsia typhi en Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. y Amblyomma mixtum, en el sur de México. Material y métodos: Las garrapatas fueron colectadas en humanos y animales domésticos. Se determinó la presencia de Rickettsia por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR, por sus siglas en inglés) y secuenciación. Resultados: 10/39 viales de trabajo amplificaron fragmentos de los genes gltA, htrA y ompB, en 7/10 proveniente de Rh. sanguineus s.l. colectadas de perros y en 3/10 de A. mixtum colectadas de caballo y humano. La secuenciación indicó R. typhi en Rh. sanguineus y A. mixtum con homología de 100% (LS992663.1), para una región del gen de htrA, y de 99% (LS992663.1), con las regiones de los genes de gltA y OmpB. La tasa mínima de infección (TMI) para R. typhi fue de 3.88. Conclusiones: Las garrapatas Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. y Amblyomma mixtum están infectadas naturalmente con R. typhi en el sur de México.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the presence of Rickettsia typhi in Rhipicephalus sanguineuss.l. and Amblyomma mixtum in southern Mexico. Materials and methods: Ticks were collected in humans and domestic animals. The presence of Rickettsia was determined by PCR and sequencing. Results: 10/39 work vials amplified fragments of the gltA,htrA and ompB genes. On 7/10 from Rh. sanguineus s.l collected from dogs and in 3/10 of A. mixtum collected from horse and human. Sequencing indicated R. typhi in Rh. Sanguineus and A. mixtum with 100% homology (LS992663.1) for a region of the htrA gene and 99% (LS992663.1) with the regions of the gltA and OmpB genes. The minimum infection rate (TMI) for R. typhi was 3.88. Conclusions: Rhipicephalus sanguineuss.l. and Amblyomma mixtum are naturally infected with R. typhi in Southern Mexico.

Infection of Aedes mosquitoes by native Wolbachia in urban cemeteries of Southern Mexico / Infección de mosquitos Aedes con Wolbachia nativa en cementerios urbanos del sur de México

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of Wolbachia infections in Aedes spp. field populations from cemeteries of Southern Mexico. Materials and methods: Six cemeteries were selected to be sampled in the central part of the Soconusco region, Chiapas. Aedes albopictus and Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were collected during the rainy season of 2015. Females were analyzed individually by PCR to determine the presence of Wolbachia. Results: A field overall prevalence of 38% was found; only Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were positive. Conclusion: Local strains of Wolbachia were detected and have the potential to be applied as a biological method for vector control.

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la presencia de Wolbachia en poblaciones de campo de Aedes spp. en cementerios del Sur de México. Material y métodos: Se seleccionaron seis cementerios como sitios de colecta para las poblaciones silvestres de Aedes albopictus y Ae. aegypti, en la región del Soconusco, Chiapas, durante la época de lluvias 2015. Se determinó la infección por Wolbachia en hembras individuales por PCR. Resultados: Se obtuvo una infección de 38% por Wolbachia en Ae. albopictus. Conclusión: Existen cepas locales de Wolbachia en los mosquitos y poseen el potencial de aplicarse como medida de control biológico de vectores.

Infection of Aedes mosquitoes by native Wolbachia in urban cemeteries of Southern Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of Wolbachia infections in Aedes spp. field populations from cemeteries of Southern Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six cemeteries were selected to be sampled in the central part of the Soconusco region, Chiapas. Aedes albopictus and Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were collected during the rainy season of 2015. Females were analyzed individually by PCR to determine the presence of Wolbachia. RESULTS: field overall prevalence of 38% was found; only Ae. albopictus mosquitoes were positive. CONCLUSIONS: Local strains of Wolbachia were detected and have the potential to be applied as a biological method for vector control.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la presencia de Wolbachia en poblaciones de campo de Aedes spp. en cementerios del Sur de México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se seleccionaron seis cementerios como sitios de colecta para las poblaciones silvestres de Aedes albopictus y Ae. aegypti, en la región del Soconusco, Chiapas, durante la época de lluvias 2015. Se determinó la infección por Wolbachia en hembras individuales por PCR. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo una infección de 38% por Wolbachia en Ae. albopictus. CONCLUSIONES: Existen cepas locales de Wolbachia en los mosquitos y poseen el potencial de aplicarse como medida de control biológico de vectores.

[Detection of Rickettsia typhi in Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. and Amblyomma mixtum in South of Mexico]. / Detección de Rickettsia typhi en Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. y Amblyomma mixtum en el sur de México.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence of Rickettsia typhi in Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. and Amblyomma mixtum in southern Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ticks were collected in humans and domestic animals. The presence of Rickettsia was determined by PCR and sequencing. RESULTS: 10/39 work vials amplified fragments of the gltA, htrA and ompB genes. On 7/10 from Rh. sanguineus s.l. collected from dogs and in 3/10 of A. mixtum collected from horse and human. Sequencing indicated R. typhi in Rh. sanguineus and A. mixtum with 100% homology (LS992663.1) for a region of the htrA gene and 99% (LS992663.1) with the regions of the gltA and OmpB genes. The minimum infection rate (TMI) for R. typhi was 3.88. CONCLUSIONS: Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. and Amblyomma mixtum are naturally infected with R. typhi in Southern Mexico.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la presencia de Rickettsia typhi en Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. y Amblyomma mixtum, en el sur de México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Las garrapatas fueron colectadas en humanos y animales domésticos. Se determinó la presencia de Rickettsia por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR, por sus siglas en inglés) y secuenciación. RESULTADOS: 10/39 viales de trabajo amplificaron fragmentos de los genes gltA, htrA y ompB, en 7/10 proveniente de Rh. sanguineus s.l. colectadas de perros y en 3/10 de A. mixtum colectadas de caballo y humano. La secuenciación indicó R. typhi en Rh. sanguineus y A. mixtum con homología de 100% (LS992663.1), para una región del gen de htrA, y de 99% (LS992663.1), con las regiones de los genes de gltA y OmpB. La tasa mínima de infección (TMI) para R. typhi fue de 3.88. CONCLUSIONES: Las garrapatas Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. y Amblyomma mixtum están infectadas naturalmente con R. typhi en el sur de México.

Protein phosphorylation during Plasmodium berghei gametogenesis.

Plasmodium gametogenesis within the mosquito midgut is a complex differentiation process involving signaling mediated by phosphorylation, which modulate metabolic routes and protein synthesis required to complete this development. However, the mechanisms leading to gametogenesis activation are poorly understood. We analyzed protein phosphorylation during Plasmodium berghei gametogenesis in vitro in serum-free medium using bidimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) combined with immunoblotting (IB) and antibodies specific to phosphorylated serine, threonine and tyrosine. Approximately 75 protein exhibited phosphorylation changes, of which 23 were identified by mass spectrometry. These included components of the cytoskeleton, heat shock proteins, and proteins involved in DNA synthesis and signaling pathways among others. Novel phosphorylation events support a role for these proteins during gametogenesis. The phosphorylation sites of six of the identified proteins, HSP70, WD40 repeat protein msi1, enolase, actin-1 and two isoforms of large subunit of ribonucleoside reductase were investigated using TiO2 phosphopeptides enrichment and tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, transient exposure to hydroxyurea, an inhibitor of ribonucleoside reductase, impaired male gametocytes exflagellation in a dose-dependent manner, and provides a resource for functional studies.

Seroepidemiología del paludismo en un grupo de migrantes en tránsito (Chiapas, 2008)

OBJETIVO: Conocer la prevalencia del paludismo y los factores asociados con la infección de migrantes en la frontera sur de México, durante 2008. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: En 706 migrantes, se investigó la infección activa mediante prueba rápida y PCR o pasada, mediante serología y se aplicó un cuestionario para investigar las condiciones asociadas con la infección. RESULTADOS: 85.6% provenía de Centroamérica. Ninguno presentó infección activa; 4.2% fue seropositivo y la mayoría provenía de los países con mayor incidencia de paludismo en la región. La seropositividad se asoció con el número de episodios previos de paludismo (RM=1.44; IC95% 1.04-2.00), años de permanencia en su comunidad de origen (RM=1.03; IC95% 1.00 -1.07) y conocimiento y automedicación con antipalúdicos (RM=3.38; IC95% 1.48-7.67). CONCLUSIONES: La exposición previa de migrantes al paludismo y las dificultades para su detección indican la necesidad de nuevas estrategias para la vigilancia epidemiológica para estas poblaciones.

OBJECTIVE: To know the prevalence of malaria and the factors associated with the infection in migrants in the southern border of Mexico, during 2008. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 706 migrants, active malaria infection was investigated using a rapid diagnostic test and PCR and past infection using serology. A questionnaire was applied to investigate the conditions associated to infection. RESULTS: 85.6% originated from Central America, none presented an active infection, although 4.2% were seropositive, most of these came from the countries with the highest malaria incidence in the region. Seropositivity was associated with the number of previous malaria episodes (OR=1.44; IC95% 1.04-2.00), years living in their community of origin (OR=1.03; IC95% 1.00-1.07), and knowledge and self-medication with anti-malaria drugs (OR=3.38; IC95% 1.48-7.67). CONCLUSIONS:. The previous exposure of migrants and the difficulties for their detection indicate the need of new strategies for the epidemiological surveillance for these populations.

[Malaria's seroepidemiology in a group of migrants in transit (Chiapas, 2008)]. / Seroepidemiología del paludismo en un grupo de migrantes en tránsito (Chiapas, 2008).

OBJECTIVE: To know the prevalence of malaria and the factors associated with the infection in migrants in the southern border of Mexico, during 2008. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 706 migrants, active malaria infection was investigated using a rapid diagnostic test and PCR and past infection using serology. A questionnaire was applied to investigate the conditions associated to infection. RESULTS: 85.6% originated from Central America, none presented an active infection, although 4.2% were seropositive, most of these came from the countries with the highest malaria incidence in the region. Seropositivity was associated with the number of previous malaria episodes (OR=1.44; IC95% 1.04-2.00), years living in their community of origin (OR=1.03; IC95% 1.00-1.07), and knowledge and self-medication with anti-malaria drugs (OR=3.38; IC95% 1.48-7.67). CONCLUSIONS: . The previous exposure of migrants and the difficulties for their detection indicate the need of new strategies for the epidemiological surveillance for these populations.