Following the bluetongue (BT) outbreaks in Tunisia from 1999 to 2002, BTV (bluetongue virus) serotype 2 was isolated; however, no entomological investigation was performed. In the study presented here, we assessed the Culicoides species populations (particularly C. imicola) in proximity to the BT outbreaks locations, both as a retrospective analysis and to update the list of Culicoides species present in Tunisia. The insects were caught using light traps and the species identification was performed according to the standard entomological methods. This study reveaaled the presence of significant numbers of C. imicola in all the tested locations. In addition, we reported a new Culicoides species for the Tunisian fauna C. punctatus.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/parasite/2008152179 | DOI Listing |
Ann Bot
January 2025
CEFE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, CEDEX 5, 34293 Montpellier, France.
Background And Aims: The currently recognized diversity of pollination strategies requires pollination syndromes to be updated. Described a decade ago, kleptomyiophily is a deceptive pollination system in which plants exploit the nutrient-seeking behavior of females of kleptoparasitic flies (Chloropidae and Milichiidae) by olfactorily mimicking their insect host. Such a pollination system was already hypothesized for pollination by biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) but has never been formalized.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFParasite
January 2025
Center of Excellence in Vector Biology and Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) have been reported as potential vectors for haemoparasites. Information about host-vector-parasite specificity is required to confirm their status. Here, molecular detection of haemosporidians, Leishmania, trypanosomatids, and filarial nematodes in biting midges was conducted to understand their potential role as vectors, and their host preference was determined.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFParasit Vectors
January 2025
Diptera Section, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.
Background: The detection of multiple bluetongue virus serotypes, increasing trend in livestock density, rich biological diversity with high endemism, and the status of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a popular tourist destination underscore the need for a faunistic survey of medically and veterinary significant vector species, specifically Culicoides, in this region. Moreover, scattered information on Indian Culicoides species complicates the planning and implementation of preventive measures for pathogens transmitted by these vectors. This study aims to provide the first comprehensive account of the Culicoides fauna in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, along with an updated checklist of Indian Culicoides species and their state-wise distribution.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFront Trop Dis
December 2024
Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
Background: is transmitted by species and affects hundred millions of inhabitants in about 33 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. It is known that Mansonellosis due to do not result in a clear clinical picture, but down-regulates the immunity of patients predisposing them to other diseases like tuberculosis, HIV and malaria or damping vaccine efficacy. However, research about novel drugs against this filarial nematode is missing because of the lack of parasite material.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMed Vet Entomol
January 2025
Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
Culicoides biting midges adversely impact animal health through transmission of multiple orbiviruses, such as bluetongue virus (BTV). This study used light trapping data collected in the Southeastern United States for three Culicoides midge species that are confirmed or suspected BTV vectors: Culicoides insignis, Culicoides stellifer and Culicoides venustus. Midge presence datasets were combined with meteorological data and ecological data to model habitat suitability for each species.
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