The honeybee (Apis mellifera) is a key pollinator critical to global agriculture, facing threats from various stressors, including the ectoparasitic Varroa mite (Varroa destructor). Previous studies have identified shared bacteria between Varroa mites and honeybees, yet it remains unclear if these bacteria assemble similarly in both species. This study builds on existing knowledge by investigating co-occurrence patterns in the microbiomes of both Varroa mites and honeybees, shedding light on potential interactions. Leveraging 16S rRNA datasets, we conducted co-occurrence network analyses, explored Core Association Networks (CAN) and assess network robustness. Comparative network analyses revealed structural differences between honeybee and mite microbiomes, along with shared core features and microbial motifs. The mite network exhibited lower robustness, suggesting less resistance to taxa extension compared to honeybees. Furthermore, analyses of predicted functional profiling and taxa contribution revealed that common central pathways in the metabolic networks have different taxa contributing to Varroa mites and honeybee microbiomes. The results show that while both microbial systems exhibit functional redundancy, in which different taxa contribute to the functional stability and resilience of the ecosystem, there is evidence for niche specialization resulting in unique contributions to specific pathways in each part of this host-parasite system. The specificity of taxa contribution to key pathways offers targeted approaches to Varroa microbiome management and preserving honeybee microbiome. Our findings provide valuable insights into microbial interactions, aiding farmers and beekeepers in maintaining healthy and resilient bee colonies amid increasing Varroa mite infestations.
- MeSH
- Bacteria * klasifikace genetika izolace a purifikace MeSH
- mikrobiota * MeSH
- RNA ribozomální 16S genetika MeSH
- Varroidae * mikrobiologie MeSH
- včely mikrobiologie parazitologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Alergia na jed blanokrídleho hmyzu je častou príčinou anafylaxie a môže viesť k vzniku závažných až fatálnych reakcií. Diagnostika ochorenia a stanovenie príčinného alergénu sú založené na anamnéze, kožných testoch a vyšetrení prítomnosti sIgE. V sporných prípadoch sú odporúčané bunkové testy. Liečba alergie na jed blanokrídleho hmyzu zahŕňa krátkodobé intervencie zamerané na liečbu akútnych reakcií a dlhodobé liečebné stratégie s cieľom minimalizovať riziko nasledujúcich reakcií. Jedinou liečbou účinnou v prevencii systémových reakcií vyvolaných hmyzím bodnutím je alergénová imunoterapia (VIT). VIT prebieha v dvoch fázach, iniciálnej a udržiavacej. Pre navyšovanie dávok alergénu v iniciálnej fáze liečby je k dispozícii viacero protokolov, udržiavacia dávka jedu tak môže byť dosiahnutá v priebehu jedného dňa (ultra-rush režim), za dva až päť dní (rush režim), alebo v priebehu týždňov až mesiacov (cluster a konvenčný režim).
Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) is a common cause of anaphylaxis and may be fatal. Diagnosis of the HVA and the identification of the appropriate venom for immunotherapy are based on detailed patient’s medical history, skin tests and detection of sIgE. In unclear cases, the cellular tests are recommended. The management of hymenoptera venom allergy includes short-term interventions to treat acute reactions and long-term strategies to minimize the risk of consecutive reactions. The only treatment to prevent further systemic sting reactions is venom immunotherapy (VIT). There are 2 phases of VIT: the initial build-up phase and the maintenance phase. There are numerous protocols for dose increase during the initial phase of VIT, e. g. the maintenance dose may be reached within one day (ultra-rush), after two to five days (rush) or within weeks or months (cluster, conventional).
- MeSH
- anafylaxe diagnóza terapie MeSH
- časná přecitlivělost diagnóza imunologie terapie MeSH
- desenzibilizace imunologická metody škodlivé účinky MeSH
- Hymenoptera MeSH
- imunologické testy MeSH
- jedy členovců imunologie škodlivé účinky MeSH
- kousnutí a bodnutí hmyzem imunologie prevence a kontrola terapie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- přecitlivělost na hmyzí jed * diagnóza prevence a kontrola terapie MeSH
- zkřížené reakce MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
Host infectiousness to insect vectors is a crucial parameter for understanding the transmission dynamics of insect-borne infectious diseases such as leishmaniases. Despite their importance, critical factors influencing the outwards transmission of Leishmania major, including parasite distribution within the host body and the minimum number of skin amastigotes required for vector infection, remain poorly characterized. To address these gaps, we studied these parameters in the natural North African reservoir host Meriones shawi and in BALB/c mice infected with a low parasite dose. Using qPCR, we quantified Leishmania loads in different zones (regions) of infected ear pinnae, whereas microscale infectiousness was evaluated via microbiopsies and fluorescence microscopy. The amastigote distribution within infected ears was heterogeneous, with pronounced differences between the lesion center, lesion margin, and visually unaffected surrounding skin. Phlebotomus papatasi females that fed in areas where no amastigotes were detected via microscopy did not become infected. In M. shawi, lesion margins have emerged as the most effective source of infection. The number of amastigotes at bite sites where sand fly females became infected ranged from 4--500, with as few as 2--10 amastigotes sufficient to initiate vector infection. This low infection threshold was confirmed by experiments in which P. papatasi was fed through a chick-skin membrane. In contrast, the BALB/c mouse model showed only minor differences in infectiousness between lesion centers and margins. The minimum infectious dose in BALB/c mice was approximately 100 times greater than that in M. shawi, with successful infections occurring at sites containing 1,500-10,000 amastigotes. These findings advance our understanding of Leishmania transmission by addressing critical knowledge gaps and enabling more accurate modelling of cutaneous leishmaniasis epidemiology. Moreover, this study highlights the importance of incorporating natural host models in research, as the dynamics of disease progression and transmission parameters can differ significantly between natural hosts and standard laboratory models.
- MeSH
- Gerbillinae * parazitologie MeSH
- hmyz - vektory * parazitologie MeSH
- kůže parazitologie MeSH
- Leishmania major * fyziologie patogenita MeSH
- leishmanióza kožní * přenos parazitologie MeSH
- modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
- myši inbrední BALB C MeSH
- myši MeSH
- parazitární zátěž MeSH
- Phlebotomus * parazitologie MeSH
- zdroje nemoci * parazitologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- myši MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Compounds in sand fly saliva elicit specific immune responses that may play a role in the establishment of canine Leishmania infection. Although canine antibodies to anti-sand fly saliva antigens have been extensively studied, little is known about cellular immune responses against Phlebotomus perniciosus salivary proteins. This study aimed to explore humoral and T-cell-mediated immunity against P. perniciosus salivary proteins in dogs (n = 85) from Mallorca (Spain), a leishmaniosis-endemic area, and find correlations with demographic (age, sex, and breed) and parasite-specific immunological parameters. Anti-sand fly saliva IgG was examined using a P. perniciosus whole salivary gland homogenate (SGH) ELISA and recombinant salivary protein rSP03B ELISA. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) release whole blood assays with L. infantum soluble antigen (LSA), SGH, and rSP03B were also performed. Positive correlations were found between IgG levels in the SGH and rSP03B tests and between concentrations of SGH IFN-γ and rSP03B IFN-γ. While concentrations of SGH IFN-γ and rSP03B IFN-γ were low and produced only by a minority of dogs (less than 20%), high levels and frequencies of LSA IFN-γ as well as anti-saliva IgG for SGH and rSP03B were detected in a majority of dogs (61% and 75%, respectively). LSA IFN-γ levels were positively correlated with age and Leishmania-specific antibodies. In conclusion, dogs from a leishmaniosis-endemic area presented high humoral immunity against P. perniciosus salivary proteins, but their cellular immunity to these proteins was low and less frequent.
- MeSH
- buněčná imunita * MeSH
- endemické nemoci MeSH
- hmyzí proteiny * imunologie MeSH
- humorální imunita * MeSH
- imunoglobulin G krev imunologie MeSH
- interferon gama MeSH
- leishmanióza * imunologie veterinární epidemiologie MeSH
- nemoci psů * imunologie parazitologie epidemiologie MeSH
- Phlebotomus * imunologie MeSH
- psi MeSH
- slinné proteiny a peptidy * imunologie MeSH
- T-lymfocyty * imunologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- psi MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Španělsko MeSH
Phase separation forms membraneless compartments, including heterochromatin "domains" and repair foci. Pericentromeric heterochromatin mostly comprises repeated sequences prone to aberrant recombination. In Drosophila cells, "safe" homologous recombination (HR) repair of these sequences requires their relocalization to the nuclear periphery before Rad51 recruitment and strand invasion. How this mobilization initiates is unknown, and the contribution of phase separation is unclear. Here, we show that Nup98 nucleoporin is recruited to repair sites before relocalization by Sec13 or Nup88, and downstream of the Smc5/6 complex and heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1). Remarkably, Nup98 condensates are immiscible with HP1 condensates, and they are required and sufficient to mobilize repair sites and exclude Rad51, thus preventing aberrant recombination while promoting HR repair. Disrupting this pathway results in heterochromatin repair defects and widespread chromosome rearrangements, revealing an "off-pore" role for nucleoporins and phase separation in nuclear dynamics and genome integrity in a multicellular eukaryote.
- MeSH
- chromozomální proteiny, nehistonové metabolismus genetika MeSH
- Drosophila melanogaster * genetika metabolismus MeSH
- dvouřetězcové zlomy DNA MeSH
- heterochromatin * genetika metabolismus MeSH
- homolog proteinu s chromoboxem 5 MeSH
- komplex proteinů jaderného póru * metabolismus genetika MeSH
- proteiny buněčného cyklu metabolismus genetika MeSH
- proteiny Drosophily * metabolismus genetika MeSH
- rekombinační oprava DNA * MeSH
- rekombinasa Rad51 * metabolismus genetika MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Zoonózy se každoročně v České republice významně podílejí na počtu hlášených infekčních onemocnění. Stoupající tendence výskytu zoonotických virů, jako je virus zika virus, virus horečky dengue, virus chikungunyi a virus západonilské horečky, přenášených invazivními tropickými druhy komárů, je v první řadě důsledkem dlouhodobého, postupného a prakticky nezastavitelného šíření tohoto hmyzu po evropském kontinentu, včetně severských států. Evropa nyní již pravidelně zažívá opakované každoroční vlny veder, stejně jako časté záplavy. Navyšuje se nejen počet letních dnů s tropickými teplotami, ale období léta jako takového se významně prodlužuje. Stírají se jarní a podzimní období, rychlost nástupu letních teplot po období zim je často až drastická. Tento proces navozuje příznivé životní podmínky pro etablování tropických druhů komárů na našem území. Například ještě v roce 2013 se invazivní druh komára Aedes albopictus, původem z Asie, vyskytoval „pouze" v osmi evropských zemích a zasaženo bylo 114 regionů. O pouhých deset let později byl jeho výskyt potvrzen již ve třinácti zemích a 337 oblastech, včetně České republiky. Tento trend bude pokračovat, je proto nutné očekávat nárůsty autochtonních infekcí, včetně komplikovaných průběhů infekcí a úmrtí, obzvláště v rizikových skupinách rychle stárnoucí evropské populace. Kromě nutnosti hledat nové způsoby kontroly populací komárů, vývoje nových desinsekčních a larvicidních chemikálií je třeba zásadně posilovat programy surveillance napříč spolupracující Evropou, prosazovat používání osobních ochranných pomůcek a jednoznačně posílit výzkum a vývoj specifických antivirotik a nových očkovacích látek.
Zoonoses contribute significantly to the number of reported infectious diseases in the Czech Republic each year. The rising trend in zoonotic viruses such as Zika virus, dengue virus, Chikungunya virus, West Nile virus, transmitted by invasive tropical mosquito species, is primarily due to the long-term, gradual and virtually unstoppable spread of these insects across the European continent, including the Nordic countries. Europe now regularly experiences recurrent annual heat waves as well as frequent flooding. Not only are the number of summer days with tropical temperatures increasing, but the summer period itself is being significantly extended. The spring and autumn seasons are becoming shorter, and the speed of the onset of summer temperatures after winter is often drastic. This process creates favorable living conditions for the establishment of tropical mosquito species in our territory. For example, as recently as 2013, the invasive mosquito species Aedes albopictus, native to Asia, was present in "only" eight European countries and 114 regions were affected. In 2023, its presence has already been confirmed in thirteen countries and 337 regions, including the Czech Republic. This trend is set to continue, so increases in autochthonous infections, including complicated infection patterns and deaths, are to be expected, especially in at-risk groups of the rapidly ageing European population. In addition to the need to find new ways of controlling mosquito populations, the development of new disinsecticidal and larvicidal chemicals, surveillance programs across a cooperating Europe need to be substantially strengthened, the use of personal protective equipment needs to be promoted, and research and development of specific antivirals and new vaccines needs to be clearly stepped up.
- Klíčová slova
- tropičtí komáři,
- MeSH
- Culicidae MeSH
- infekce virem zika epidemiologie přenos terapie MeSH
- komáří přenašeči * MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- virus zika * izolace a purifikace účinky léků MeSH
- zoonózy * epidemiologie přenos terapie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Evropa MeSH
Toscana virus (TOSV) is an emerging but neglected human pathogen currently circulating around the Mediterranean basin including North Africa. Human illness ranges from asymptomatic or mild flu-like syndromes to severe neurological diseases such as meningitis or meningoencephalitis. Despite its significant impact, understanding of TOSV transmission and epidemiology remains limited. Sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae), specifically Phlebotomus perniciosus and Phlebotomus perfiliewi, are believed to be the primary vectors of TOSV. However, the spread of TOSV to new geographical areas and its detection in other sand fly species suggest that additional species play a role in the circulation and transmission of this virus. This study investigated the vector competence of four sand fly species - P. tobbi, P. sergenti, P. papatasi, and Sergentomyia schwetzi - for two TOSV strains: 1500590 (TOSV A lineage) and MRS20104319501 (TOSV B lineage). Sand flies were orally challenged with TOSV via bloodmeals. None of the tested species showed susceptibility to the TOSV A strain. However, for TOSV B strain, P. tobbi demonstrated a high potential as a new vector, exhibiting high infection and dissemination rates. P. sergenti also showed some susceptibility to TOSV B, with the virus dissemination observed in all infected females. These finding suggests that P. tobbi and P. sergenti are new potential vectors for TOSV B. Given that P. tobbi and P. sergenti are the primary vectors of human leishmaniases in the Balkans, Turkey and Middle East, their susceptibility to TOSV could have significant epidemiological consequences. On the other hand, P. papatasi and S. schwetzi appeared refractory to TOSV B infection. Refractoriness of P. papatasi, a highly anthropophilic species distributed from the Mediterranean to the Middle East and India, suggests that this species does not contribute to TOSV circulation.
Despite numerous case reports in the literature, high-quality postmortem images of honeybee sting are scant in postmortem literature. We report a case of a fatal anaphylactic death from honeybee stings with detailed high-quality annotated macroscopic and microscopic morphological images. A woman in her mid-60's was found dead in her garden cabin unexpectedly after mowing the lawn near her beehives in late evening hours. She passed away despite resuscitation efforts. External examination showed multiple honeybee stings on the body. A number of them had a nidus near the center in which a stinger was confirmed by subsequent histology. Postmortem examination and ancillary testing showed features of anaphylaxis.
- MeSH
- anafylaxe * etiologie patologie MeSH
- fatální výsledek MeSH
- kousnutí a bodnutí hmyzem * patologie komplikace MeSH
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- včely MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé středního věku MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- kazuistiky MeSH
Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) are the principal vectors of Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) worldwide. The subgenus Adlerius is taxonomically challenging and currently comprises about 20 species with a wide geographic distribution from eastern Asia to southeastern Europe. Some species are confirmed or suspected vectors of Leishmania donovani/infantum, L. major, and L. tropica, and are thus of high medical and veterinary relevance. A single record of Phlebotomus (Adlerius) simici in Austria from 2018 marks its sporadic northernmost and westernmost occurrence, with the origin of its appearance remaining unclear. To better understand Adlerius diversification and particularly post-glacial spread of Ph. simici to northern parts of Europe, we combined phylogenetic analyses with climatic suitability modelling. Divergence time estimates well supported the currently observed geographic distribution of the studied species and revealed several taxonomic challenges in the subgenus. We clearly delineated three distinct genetic and geographic Ph. simici lineages and phylogeographically assessed diversification that were well supported by climatic models. This study provides a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the subgenus Adlerius, enhancing our understanding of the diversification in relation to changing climate of this understudied group, and we present new insights into the post-glacial spread of Ph. simici, a suspected vector of L. infantum.
- MeSH
- fylogeneze * MeSH
- fylogeografie * MeSH
- hmyz - vektory genetika klasifikace MeSH
- Phlebotomus * klasifikace genetika MeSH
- podnebí MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Evropa MeSH
UNLABELLED: The Aspergillus genus encompasses a diverse array of species, some of which are opportunistic pathogens. Traditionally, human aspergillosis has primarily been linked to a few Aspergillus species, predominantly A. fumigatus. Changes in epidemiology and advancements in molecular techniques have brought attention to less common and previously unrecognized pathogenic cryptic species. Despite the taxonomic recognition of many cryptic species in section Terrei, their virulence potential and clinical implications, compared to A. terreus sensu stricto, remain poorly understood. Hence, the current study utilized the alternative in vivo model Galleria mellonella to evaluate the virulence potential of 19 accepted Aspergillus species in section Terrei, classified into three series (major phylogenetic clades): Terrei, Nivei, and Ambigui. Analyzing the median survival rates of infected larvae of all species in each series revealed that series Ambigui has a significantly lower virulence compared to series Terrei and Nivei. Taking a closer look at series Terrei and Nivei revealed a trend of survival within each clade, dividing the species into two groups: highly virulent (up to 72 h survival) and less virulent (up to 144 h survival). Histological observation, considering fungal distribution and filamentation, further supported this assessment, revealing increased distribution and hyphal formation in virulent species. Additionally, the susceptibility profile of conventional antifungals was determined, revealing an increased azole minimum inhibitory concentration for some tested cryptic species such as A. niveus and A. iranicus. Our results highlight the importance of cryptic species identification, as they can exhibit different levels of virulence and show reduced antifungal susceptibility. IMPORTANCE: With changing fungal epidemiology and an increasingly vulnerable population, cryptic Aspergillus species are emerging as human pathogens. Their diversity and clinical relevance remain underexplored, with some species showing reduced antifungal susceptibility and higher virulence, highlighting the need for better preparedness in clinical practice. Using the Galleria mellonella model, we assessed the virulence of Aspergillus species of section Terrei, including cryptic and non-cryptic species, across three series Terrei, Nivei, and Ambigui. The results revealed significant virulence variation among the series, with some cryptic species displaying high virulence. Histological analysis confirmed increased hyphal formation and fungal spread in the more virulent species. Additionally, elevated azole minimum inhibitory concentrations were also observed in certain cryptic species. This study presents novel insights into the pathogenicity of Aspergillus section Terrei, emphasizing the critical importance of accurately identifying cryptic species due to their diverse virulence potential and antifungal resistance, which may have substantial clinical implications.
- MeSH
- antifungální látky farmakologie MeSH
- Aspergillus * patogenita klasifikace účinky léků genetika MeSH
- aspergilóza * mikrobiologie MeSH
- fylogeneze MeSH
- larva mikrobiologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
- můry * mikrobiologie MeSH
- virulence MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
