Genetically and Biochemically Distinct Yersinia Pestis Strains Exhibit Distinct Xenopsylla Cheopis Flea Colonization Phenotypes, But Comparable Transmission Efficiency

Genetically and Biochemically Distinct Yersinia Pestis Strains Exhibit Distinct Xenopsylla Cheopis Flea Colonization Phenotypes, But Comparable Transmission Efficiency PDF Author: Athena Kostrubala Lemon
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Fleas as carriers of disease
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Yersinia pestis is the flea-transmitted etiologic agent of bubonic plague. Sylvatic plague ecology is highly complex, consisting of diverse flea and rodent species and pathogen strains. Transmission by flea bite primarily occurs via the Y. pestis biofilm-mediated foregut blockage and regurgitation mechanism, which has been largely detailed by studies in the single model interaction between Y. pestis KIM6+ and Xenopylla cheopis. Whether pathogen specific traits influence this interaction is unknown, but important considering the diversity of Y. pestis strains and vector competencies. In this study, the ability to proliferate and develop foregut blockage in X. cheopis fleas was compared between two distinct Y. pestis strains KIM6+ (biovar Medievalis, glycerol fermentation positive) and CO92 (biovar Orientalis, glycerol fermentation negative), and a CO92 strain functionally restored for glycerol fermentation (CO92gly). Orientalis biovar strains are specifically implicated in historic plague pandemics, globally distributed, and cause contemporary epidemics. Our data demonstrates that KIM6+ and CO92 strains develop foregut blockage at similar rates and temporal incidences, but the CO92gly strain shows significantly greater blockage rates and advanced temporal blockage incidence. In contrast, the KIM6+ strain exhibited faster growth and two-fold higher burdens per flea, with a distinctive foregut colonization extending the length of the esophagus in ~65% of blocked fleas, in contrast to 32% and 26%, respectively, in fleas blocked with CO92 and CO92gly. The proximity of bacteria to the flea mouthparts did not result in greater numbers of bacteria being regurgitated by KIM6+ infected fleas; all three strains showed variable numbers of Y. pestis transmission, but we observed a tendency for CO92gly to transmit fewer bacteria. Higher blockage rates are tantamount to effective transmission, yet lower transmission rates and absence of naturally occurring CO92gly-like strains confounds this concept and prompted us to test CO92gly competitive fitness. Co-infection of fleas with the parental CO92 strain revealed a gross fitness attenuation of CO92gly, suggesting that glycerol fermentation within the genetic context of CO92 is a fitness cost. Our study suggests that extant Y. pestis genotypes cumulatively accommodate comparable transmission efficiencies as it is of paramount importance to maintain pathogen spread from many competent flea vectors.

Genetically and Biochemically Distinct Yersinia Pestis Strains Exhibit Distinct Xenopsylla Cheopis Flea Colonization Phenotypes, But Comparable Transmission Efficiency

Genetically and Biochemically Distinct Yersinia Pestis Strains Exhibit Distinct Xenopsylla Cheopis Flea Colonization Phenotypes, But Comparable Transmission Efficiency PDF Author: Athena Kostrubala Lemon
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Fleas as carriers of disease
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
Yersinia pestis is the flea-transmitted etiologic agent of bubonic plague. Sylvatic plague ecology is highly complex, consisting of diverse flea and rodent species and pathogen strains. Transmission by flea bite primarily occurs via the Y. pestis biofilm-mediated foregut blockage and regurgitation mechanism, which has been largely detailed by studies in the single model interaction between Y. pestis KIM6+ and Xenopylla cheopis. Whether pathogen specific traits influence this interaction is unknown, but important considering the diversity of Y. pestis strains and vector competencies. In this study, the ability to proliferate and develop foregut blockage in X. cheopis fleas was compared between two distinct Y. pestis strains KIM6+ (biovar Medievalis, glycerol fermentation positive) and CO92 (biovar Orientalis, glycerol fermentation negative), and a CO92 strain functionally restored for glycerol fermentation (CO92gly). Orientalis biovar strains are specifically implicated in historic plague pandemics, globally distributed, and cause contemporary epidemics. Our data demonstrates that KIM6+ and CO92 strains develop foregut blockage at similar rates and temporal incidences, but the CO92gly strain shows significantly greater blockage rates and advanced temporal blockage incidence. In contrast, the KIM6+ strain exhibited faster growth and two-fold higher burdens per flea, with a distinctive foregut colonization extending the length of the esophagus in ~65% of blocked fleas, in contrast to 32% and 26%, respectively, in fleas blocked with CO92 and CO92gly. The proximity of bacteria to the flea mouthparts did not result in greater numbers of bacteria being regurgitated by KIM6+ infected fleas; all three strains showed variable numbers of Y. pestis transmission, but we observed a tendency for CO92gly to transmit fewer bacteria. Higher blockage rates are tantamount to effective transmission, yet lower transmission rates and absence of naturally occurring CO92gly-like strains confounds this concept and prompted us to test CO92gly competitive fitness. Co-infection of fleas with the parental CO92 strain revealed a gross fitness attenuation of CO92gly, suggesting that glycerol fermentation within the genetic context of CO92 is a fitness cost. Our study suggests that extant Y. pestis genotypes cumulatively accommodate comparable transmission efficiencies as it is of paramount importance to maintain pathogen spread from many competent flea vectors.

The Genus Yersinia:

The Genus Yersinia: PDF Author: Robert D. Perry
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387721231
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 454

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Book Description
The 9th International Symposium on Yersinia was held in Lexington, Kentucky, USA on October 10-14, 2006. Over 250 Yersinia researchers from 18 countries gathered to present and discuss their research. In addition to 37 oral presentations, there were 150 poster presentations. This Symposium volume is based on selected presentations from the meeting and contains both reviews and research articles. It is divided into six topic areas: 1) genomics; 2) structure and metabolism; 3) regulatory mechanisms; 4) pathogenesis and host interactions; 5) molecular epidemiology and detection; and 6) vaccine and antimicrobial therapy development. Consequently, this volume covers a wide range of current research areas in the Yersinia field.

Biology of Blood-Sucking Insects

Biology of Blood-Sucking Insects PDF Author: Mike Lehane
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9401179530
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 301

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Book Description
Blood-sucking insects are the vectors of many of the most debilitating parasites of man and his domesticated animals. In addition they are of considerable direct cost to the agricultural industry through losses in milk and meat yields, and through damage to hides and wool, etc. So, not surprisingly, many books of medical and veterinary entomology have been written. Most of these texts are organized taxonomically giving the details of the life-cycles, bionomics, relationship to disease and economic importance of each of the insect groups in turn. I have taken a different approach. This book is topic led and aims to discuss the biological themes which are common in the lives of blood-sucking insects. To do this I have concentrated on those aspects of the biology of these fascinating insects which have been clearly modified in some way to suit the blood-sucking habit. For example, I have discussed feeding and digestion in some detail because feeding on blood presents insects with special problems, but I have not discussed respiration because it is not affected in any particular way by haematophagy. Naturally there is a subjective element in the choice of topics for discussion and the weight given to each. I hope that I have not let my enthusiasm for particular subjects get the better of me on too many occasions and that the subject material achieves an overall balance.

Skin and Arthropod Vectors

Skin and Arthropod Vectors PDF Author: Nathalie Boulanger
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128114371
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 500

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Book Description
Approx.500 pagesApprox.500 pages

Medical and Veterinary Entomology

Medical and Veterinary Entomology PDF Author: Gary R. Mullen
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0080919693
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 646

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Book Description
Medical and Veterinary Entomology, Second Edition, has been fully updated and revised to provide the latest information on developments in entomology relating to public health and veterinary importance. Each chapter is structured with the student in mind, organized by the major headings of Taxonomy, Morphology, Life History, Behavior and Ecology, Public Health and Veterinary Importance, and Prevention and Control. This second edition includes separate chapters devoted to each of the taxonomic groups of insects and arachnids of medical or veterinary concern, including spiders, scorpions, mites, and ticks. Internationally recognized editors Mullen and Durden include extensive coverage of both medical and veterinary entomological importance. This book is designed for teaching and research faculty in medical and veterinary schools that provide a course in vector borne diseases and medical entomology; parasitologists, entomologists, and government scientists responsible for oversight and monitoring of insect vector borne diseases; and medical and veterinary school libraries and libraries at institutions with strong programs in entomology. Follows in the tradition of Herm's Medical and Veterinary Entomology The latest information on developments in entomology relating to public health and veterinary importance Two separate indexes for enhanced searchability: Taxonomic and Subject New to this edition: Three new chapters Morphological Adaptations of Parasitic Arthropods Forensic Entomology Molecular Tools in Medical and Veterinary Entomology 1700 word glossary Appendix of Arthropod-Related Viruses of Medical-Veterinary Importance Numerous new full-color images, illustrations and maps throughout

Bacterial Pathogenesis

Bacterial Pathogenesis PDF Author:
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0080860567
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 643

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Book Description
Established almost 30 years ago, Methods in Microbiology is the most prestigious series devoted to techniques and methodology in the field. Now totally revamped, revitalized, with a new format and expanded scope, Methods in Microbiology will continue to provide you with tried and tested, cutting-edge protocols to directly benefit your research. - Focuses on the methods most useful for the microbiologist interested in the way in which bacteria cause disease - Includes section devoted to 'Approaches to characterising pathogenic mechanisms' by Stanley Falkow - Covers safety aspects, detection, identification and speciation - Includes techniques for the study of host interactions and reactions in animals and plants - Describes biochemical and molecular genetic approaches - Essential methods for gene expression and analysis - Covers strategies and problems for disease control

Environmental Aspects of Zoonotic Diseases

Environmental Aspects of Zoonotic Diseases PDF Author: Robert Armon
Publisher: IWA Publishing
ISBN: 184339085X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 517

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Book Description
Environmental Aspects of Zoonotic Diseases provides a definitive description, commentary and research needs of environmental aspects related to zoonotic diseases. There are many interrelated connections between the environment and zoonotic diseases such as: water, soil, air and agriculture. The book presents investigations of these connections, with specific reference to environmental processes such as: deforestation, floods, draughts, irrigation practices, soil transfer and their impact on bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitological spread. Environmental aspects such as climate (tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, arid and semi-arid), developed and undeveloped countries, animal (domestic and wild) traffic animal border crossing, commercial animal trade, transportation, as well geography and weather on zoonosis, are also discussed and relevant scientific data is condensed and organized in order to give a better picture of interrelationship between the environment and current spread of zoonotic diseases. Altogether, the book presents a remarkable and a vast amount of potential future research directions based on the link: environment-vectors-pathogens-humans. The most up-to-date source of information on this increasingly important cross-disciplinary subject, Environmental Aspects of Zoonotic Diseases will be invaluable for environmentalists, veterinarians, medical staff, environmental engineers, government agencies and consultants working in this field. Authors: Prof. Robert Armon, Technion (Israel Institute of Technology), Haifa, Israel, Dr. Uta Cheruti, Technion (Israel Institute of Technology), Haifa, Israel

Foodborne Microbial Pathogens

Foodborne Microbial Pathogens PDF Author: Arun Bhunia
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387745378
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 290

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Book Description
At last, here is a graduate-level textbook that focuses on the very latest information on the molecular and cellular mechanism of several major foodborne bacterial pathogens. For the first time in the field, this book makes the link between foodborne illness and immunology. It also covers virulence genes and their regulation in the host or the food environment, pathogenicity testing models, clinical symptoms and prevention and control strategies. Unlike other textbooks this one also covers the host/parasite interaction to a level where readers have a real appreciation of the disease mechanism. It is imperative that we acquire a better understanding of foodborne pathogens. And this is what this brilliant and timely contribution to the subject offers.

The Rasputin Effect: When Commensals and Symbionts Become Parasitic

The Rasputin Effect: When Commensals and Symbionts Become Parasitic PDF Author: Christon J. Hurst
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319281704
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 364

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Book Description
This volume focuses on those instances when benign and even beneficial relationships between microbes and their hosts opportunistically change and become detrimental toward the host. It examines the triggering events which can factor into these changes, such as reduction in the host’s capacity for mounting an effective defensive response due to nutritional deprivation, coinfections and seemingly subtle environmental influences like the amounts of sunlight, temperature, and either water or air quality. The effects of environmental changes can be compounded when they necessitate a physical relocation of species, in turn changing the probability of encounter between microbe and host. The change also can result when pathogens, including virus species, either have modified the opportunist or attacked the host’s protective natural microflora. The authors discuss these opportunistic interactions and assess their outcomes in both aquatic as well as terrestrial ecosystems, highlighting the impact on plant, invertebrate and vertebrate hosts.

Parasite Diversity and Diversification

Parasite Diversity and Diversification PDF Author: Serge Morand
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1107037654
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 503

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Book Description
By joining phylogenetics and evolutionary ecology, this book explores the patterns of parasite diversity while revealing diversification processes.