Microsatellite genotyping reveals diversity within populations of Sodalis glossinidius, the secondary symbiont of tsetse flies

The aim of this study was to develop a PCR-based microsatellite genotyping method for identifying genetic diversity in Sodalis glossinidius, a symbiont associated with tsetse fly infection by trypanosomes causing human and animal trypanosomiasis. Allelic polymorphism at three loci, investigated on 40 fly gut extracts, evidenced eight alleles and the existence of five genotypes. This novel approach was shown to be efficient and suitable for routine large-scale genotyping of S. glossinidius present in the biologically complex tsetse fly extracts; it could favor progress in the fields of diagnosis, epidemiology, population genetics, and fly/symbiont/trypanosome interactions.     

Options for the control of tsetse-transmitted livestock trypanosomosis. An epidemiological perspective

Tsetse-transmitted livestock trypanosomosis affects livestock in large parts of sub-Saharan Africa. In southern Africa two epidemiological situations can be distinguished. The disease can have an endemic nature with high morbidity and low mortality in the livestock population. Endemic livestock trypanosomosis is found mainly in areas where cattle constitute the main host of tsetse and reservoirs of trypanosomes. Epidemic trypanosomosis, with high morbidity and high mortality is found in areas where wildlife persist as main reservoir and where livestock come into contact with tsetse flies transmitting trypanosomes from the sylvatic reservoir. Based on the differences in impact of the disease on livestock health in these two epidemiological settings, the appropriateness of the available trypanosomosis control tools differs. In trypanosomosis endemic areas, trypanocidal drug use could be the most suitable approach. Possible problems associated with the development of resistance in trypanosomes to the drugs need to be investigated further. In epidemic situations, vector control seems the most appropriate long-term solution.     

The importance of mechanical transmission in the epidemiology of nagana: A review

Summary The mechanical transmission of nagana trypanosomes is reviewed in relation to the presence ofTrypanosoma vivax in countries outside Africa where tsetse are unknown. The conclusion is reached that cyclical transmission in a vector other than tsetse must remain a possibility in these locations.

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Sumario La trasmision mecánica de los tripanosomas de la nagana es revisada en relación a la presencia delTrypanosoma vivax en paises fuera del Africa, en donde las moscas tsetse son desconocidas. Se llega a la conclusión de que la trasmisión cíclica en un vector diferente a la mosca tsetse debe de ser una posibilidad en estas localidades.

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Résumé Une revue de la transmission mécanique des trypanosomes du nagana est donnée, sous le rapport de la présence deTrypanosoma vivax dans des pays en dehors de l’Afrique, où les glossines sont inconnues. On conclut qu’une transmission cyclique dans un vecteur autre que les glossines doit rester une possibilité dans ces régions.

     

Tsetse flies as vectors of trypanosomes

Glossina spp. can be naturally infected with trypanosomes belonging to the subgenera Duttonella, Nannomonas and Trypanozoon; rates of infection vary but are, in general, highest with those trypanosomes which have the simplest cycle of development in the insect and lowest in those with the most complicated cycle of development. Differences in rates of infection have mainly been accounted for in terms of such factors as the maintenance temperature of puparia and adults, the age of the fly at the time of the infective feed and, perhaps most important, the type of host animals on which the flies feed. Differences in infectibility occur between species of Glossina and may occur between different individuals of a single species. The nature of the mechanism involved is unknown; there is no evidence that trypanosomes have any pathogenic effect on Glossina. Cyclical transmission of a strain of Trypanosoma brucei through Glossina seems to have little effect on the antigenic characters of the strain, the tsetse fly acting only as a carrier of the strain which either remains unaltered throughout the period required for cyclical development and for the rest of the life of the fly or reverts to a so-called basic antigenic type.     

A study on the transmission of salivarian trypanosomes isolated from wild tsetse flies

Summary In two distinct areas of East Africa 28,238 and 16,303 non-teneral flies respectively were caught. Infected probosces containing mature trypanosome infections were macerated and inoculated into laboratory animals. Differences in the transmission of trypanosomes existed between different species of tsetse fly. The effect on transmission of trypanosome infection rate in the fly and species of host on which the flies fed is discussed. A method to estimate trypanosome challenge is proposed.

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Sumario Se atraparon 28,238 y 16,303 moscas tsetse respectivamente en dos areas didtintas de Africa Oriental. Se maceraron proboscis infectadas con tripanosomas maduros y fueron inoculadas en animales de laboratorio. Existieron diferencias en la trasmisión de tripanosomas entre las distintas especies de moscas tsetse. Se discute el efecto obtenido sobre la transmisión por el grado de infección con tripanosomas en la mosca y en hospederos de los cuales la mosca se alimenta.

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Résumé On a capturé dans deux régions différentes de l'Afrique de l'Est respectivement 28.238 et 16.303 mouches ayant pris au moins un repas. Les trompes infestées, contenant des trypanosomes métacycliques, ont été macérées et inoculées á des animaux de laboratoire. Il existait des différences dans la transmission de trypanosomes entre différentes espéces de glossines. L'effet sur la transmission du taux de l'infection á trypanosomes chez la mouche et l'espèce d'h?te sur lequel les mouches s'étaient nourries est discuté. On propose une méthode pour estimer l'intensité des inoculations trypanosomiennes.

     

Drug resistance in pathogenic African trypanosomes: what hopes for the future?

Trypanosomosis is a serious threat to both man and animals mostly in Africa. Although the first pathogenic trypanosome was discovered over a hundred years ago, there is still no prospect for effective control or eradication of the disease through the development and use of vaccines because of the phenomenon of antigenic variation. Control continues to rely heavily on chemotherapy and vector control strategies. This therapy and prophylaxis depends on the use of drugs which, apart from having been developed over 5 decades ago, suffer from such limitations as toxicity and with their continued use, drug resistance. Resistance to currently used drugs is a serious problem in most fields of anti-microbial chemotherapy, particularly in the case of trypanosomosis where resistance and cross-resistance in animals and man have been developing rapidly. The frequently and widely reported decreasing efficiency of available trypanocides, difficulties of sustaining tsetse control and little hope that a conventional, anti-trypanosome vaccine will be produced in the near future, increase the imperative need for new drugs and alternative effective ways for the control of trypanosomosis. This review examines aspects of drug resistance in pathogenic trypanosomes, measures to minimise it, areas of future research in new drug targets and alternative control strategies. Based on these, it is our opinion that for now the management and control of trypanosomosis will continue to depend on proper usage of the few available trypanocides, especially strategic deployment of the sanative drugs in order to reduce the development of drug resistance, in addition to the continued use of environmentally friendly vector control programmes such tsetse trapping.     

Parasite kinetics and immune responses in efferent prefemoral lymph draining skin reactions induced by tsetse-transmitted Trypanosoma congolense

Localised skin reactions (chancres) occurred on the flanks of cattle at the sites of deposition by tsetse flies of metacyclic forms of Trypanosoma congolense. Marked enlargement of the draining prefemoral lymph nodes accompanied the development of the skin reactions. Lymph from these nodes was collected through polyethylene cannulae inserted into the efferent lymphatics, and examined for trypanosomes, cells and antibody content. Within 6-9 days after infected tsetse fly bite, trypanosomes were detected in the efferent lymph; this preceded their appearance in the blood by 3-6 days, indicating that the lymphatic system acted as a major route for the passage of trypanosomes from the skin into the bloodstream. Responses induced in the draining lymph node as a result of trypanosome migration included a 2-3-fold increase in the volume of lymph and up to a 10-fold increase in lymphocyte output, including blast lymphocytes and plasma cells. Neutralising antibodies to metacyclic trypanosomes were detected in lymph and serum by Day 14 after infection, although in 2 out of 4 animals investigated, they were not demonstrated in serum until Day 18. Trypanosomes were also found in small numbers in efferent lymph of the prefemoral lymph node on the flank contralateral to the infected tsetse bites after development of parasitaemia. Increases in lymph flow and cellular output occurred about the same time in the ipsilateral and the contralateral efferent lymphatics, but were significantly less in the latter. Homologous challenge of immunised calves with tsetse-transmitted parasites revealed that trypanosomes were eliminated at the level of the skin or within the draining lymph node, as no parasites were detected in efferent lymph.     

昆虫转基因研究进展、应用和展望

自1982年Spradling和Rubin发现了可作为载体的P转座子并将外源基因成功地转入果蝇胚层系细胞的染色体而得到表达以来,昆虫转基因研究已经取得了长足进步.作为现代昆虫分子生物学中最为基本的技术之一,昆虫转基因技术不仅是分析昆虫基因功能的有力工具,而且在害虫防治、减少人类疾病载体昆虫携带的病原体的传播以及作为生物反应器等方面的作用亦日趋重要.     

Role of the chancre in induction of immunity to tsetse-transmitted Trypanosoma (Nannomonas) congolense in goats

Local skin reactions (chancres) developed in goats at the sites of deposition, by tsetse flies, of metacyclics of Trypanosoma congolense. The chancres developed much faster and were more pronounced when ten infected tsetse were allowed to feed on a spot as compared to only one fly per spot. The initial host cellular reaction in the chancre was predominantly polymorphonuclear, followed at the peak of development of the chancre by a predominantly lymphoblastic and plasmacytic reaction. Trypanosomes were found in various stages of division as well as degeneration in chancre biopsies taken at various days post-infection (p.i.). Most of the trypanosomes recovered from the chancre tissue fluid were found to bear the same variable surface glycoprotein (VSG) epitopes as the corresponding metacyclics for as long as 13 days p.i., as revealed by indirect immunofluorescence using mouse anti-metacyclic VSG hyperimmune sera and monoclonal antibodies. Immunization of goats with metacyclic trypanosomes, by exposure to infected tsetse bites followed by treatment of the infected goats on day 13 p.i., gave rise to the development of protection to homologous tsetse-transmitted challenge, whilst immunization by intravenous inoculation of the metacyclics did not induce such protection. Chancre formation would thus appear to be vital for the induction of comprehensive immune recognition of the metacyclic variable antigen repertoire deposited in the skin by infected tsetse, and hence development of protective immunity.     

Growth and Mortality in Sheep and Goats under High Tsetse Challenge in Kenya

Trypanosomosis is a major impediment to livestock production and economic development in those areas of Africa where it is endemic. Although small ruminants appear to perform better than cattle in various agro-ecological zones, the importance of trypanosomosis has not been extensively investigated in these livestock. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of trypanosomosis in sheep and goats in an endemic area and to evaluate the performance of different breeds under high tsetse challenge and the potential role of chemoprophylaxis in the control of the disease. The results showed that tsetse flies feed readily on small ruminants, and that these animals are susceptible to trypanosomosis. The Small East African goats acquired fewer infections than the Black Head Persian and Dorper sheep used in the study. In both sheep and goats, chemoprophylaxis with isometamidium chloride (Samorin, Rhone Merieux, Annecy, France) was protective, resulting in fewer infections and higher body weight gain. Trypanosomosis caused anaemia in both sheep and goats, and animals whose PCV fell below 15% rarely recovered, even with trypanocidal drug treatment. The peak transmission period was between 1 and 3 months after the peak tsetse fly density, which raises the possibility of effective strategic prophylaxis.     

Biting flies and Trypanosoma vivax infection in three highland districts bordering lake Tana, Ethiopia

An epidemiological study was conducted to determine the prevalence of trypanosomosis in cattle, small ruminants and Equidae, and to identify biting flies; potential mechanical vectors of trypanosomes in the three districts of Bahir Dar Zuria, Dembia and Fogera, bordering lake Tana, Ethiopia. About 1509 cattle, 798 small ruminants and 749 Equidae were bled for the prevalence study using the buffy-coat method and the measurement of the hematocrit value. Sixty-six NGU and 20 monoconical traps were deployed for the fly survey. The results indicated the presence of trypanosomes in 6.1% (92/1509) of the cattle with a maximum during the late rainy season (9.6%) than the early dry season (3.6%) at Fogera district. Prevalence at the district level varied from 4% to 9.6%. Only one sheep (1/122) and one goat (1/676) were found positive for T. vivax-like trypanosomes and none of the Equidae was positive. All the trypanosomes encountered in cattle belong to the single species of T. vivax. The PCV was negatively associated with detection of T. vivax (21.6% in infected versus 25.4% in non-infected cattle). A total of 55,398 biting flies were caught of which 49,353 (89.08%) belong to Stomoxys, 4715 (8.51%) to horse flies and 1330 (2.4%) to Chrysops species. There was no tsetse fly. Species identification has indicated the presence of Atylotus agrestis, Chrysops streptobalia, Stomoxys calcitrans, S. nigra, S. pulla, S. pallida, S. sitiens, S. taeniata, S. uruma, Haematopota lasiops and Hippobosca variegata. The overall apparent density was 214.7flies/trap/day. Seasonal comparison showed higher fly catches in the late rainy season than the early dry season. This study indicated that T. vivax infections culminate in cattle at the same time as mechanical vectors such as Stomoxys sp. and Atylotus agrestis. Therefore, attention towards T. vivax infection in cattle is essential to control the impact of the disease on productivity. A further study on biting flies is recommended.     

Knowledge and attitudes of cattle owners regarding trypanosomosis control in tsetse-infested areas of Uganda

A pilot survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted in Tororo and Busia districts of Uganda on the knowledge and attitudes of cattle owners regarding tsetse fly and trypanosomosis control, in order to understand factors that hindered their full participation. A total of 81 cattle owners was randomly selected and interviewed, of which 92.5% were aware of tsetse flies and trypanosomosis and 87.6% recognised animal trypanosomosis as a problem in the area. Most cattle owners were aware of tsetse fly trapping (76.5%), isometamidium chloride use (55.5%), diminazene aceturate use (48%) and pour-on applications (18.5%). However, knowledge did not coincide with the application of control measures. Despite the widespread awareness, tsetse fly trapping and pour-on applications were used by only a small percentage of cattle owners (7.5% applied tsetse fly trapping while 76.5% were aware of it; 1.2% applied pour-on insecticides while 18.5% were aware of them). Differences between awareness and application were highly significant for tsetse fly trapping (chi2 = 67.8, d.f. = 1, P < 0.001) and pour-on applications (chi2 = 10.8, d.f. = 1, P < 0.05), but not for isometamidium chloride use (chi2 = 0.08, d.f. = 1, P = 0.77) and diminazene aceturate use (chi2 = 0.00, d.f. = 1, P = 1.00). Most cattle owners (97.5%) were willing to participate in future control programmes, but preferred participating on a group basis (85.2%) rather than individually (14.8%). The 4 most favoured control options in order of importance were: fly traps supplied by the government and maintained by cattle owners; contribution of labour by cattle owners for trap deployment; self-financing of trypanocidal drugs and self-financing of pour-on insecticide. The control options that should be selected in order to elicit full participation by cattle owners are discussed.     

The screwworm fly in Libya: a threat to the livestock industry of the Old World

The screwworm fly, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), is the most serious insect pest of cattle in the New World. It has recently been recorded in Libya, where it appears to have become established. This article documents these recent finds, and provides background information on the recognition of the fly, its biology, distribution and importance.     

Trypanosomosis prevalence in cattle on Mafia Island (Tanzania)

During two consecutive surveys (February and August/Sept 2002), a total of 970 cattle from the cattle population of Mafia Island (United Republic of Tanzania) were blood-sampled. All blood samples were microscopically screened for the presence of trypanosomes and a portion of these were checked for antibodies with an Ab-ELISA and for the presence of trypanosomal DNA with PCR. Microscopic evidence of trypanosomes of the congolense group (sub-genus Nannomonas) was found in 0.8% of the animals (8/970) and in two cases the species identified was confirmed by PCR as Trypanosoma congolense savannah type. Non-pathogenic Trypanosoma theileri were detected in 3.2% (31/970) of the samples using the Dark Ground-Buffy Coat (DG-BC) technique. For survey 1 (S1), detection of antibodies (Ab-ELISA) against pathogenic trypanosomes indicated a seroprevalence of 14.2% (68/480). Of the samples, either DG positive or with a PCV lower then 25, examined by PCR, a total of 8.4% (5/59) (selected from 970 samples), were found positive for T. congolense. The low prevalence of pathogenic trypanosomes on Mafia Island is intriguing, especially in view of the omnipresence of the tsetse fly Glossina brevipalpis. Although the presence of detected trypanosomal antibodies does not necessarily indicate a current infection, the combination of serological/parasitological examinations and the results of the PCR do support this low prevalence of trypanosomosis in cattle. Despite the low prevalence, pathogenic trypanosomes are present on Mafia Island and possible reasons for this low infection rate, taking account of the relation between Glossina species present, transmission risk and trypanosomes found in cattle, are discussed also in view of a future appropriate intervention strategy.     

A simple procedure for the extraction of trypanosome DNA and host protein from dried blood meal residues of haematophagous diptera.

A two step elution method is described for the extraction of host serum proteins and trypanosome DNA from a single dried insect gut smear preparation. The first low temperature elution yields material suitable for use in ELISA to determine the host species on which the fly last fed while the results of the second, high temperature, elution can be used in a PCR assay to detect the presence of trypansosomal DNA. The method can be used to extract material from both fly squashes and blood spots dried onto filter paper and could simplify the collection and processing of samples for epidemiological studies on trypanosomoses and other vector borne pathogens.     

Estimating the Effects of Tsetse Control on Livestock Productivity – A Case Study in Southwest Ethiopia

A tsetse control campaign was started in January 1991 using a synthetic pyrethroid cypermethrin 'pour-on' applied monthly to cattle exposed to high levels of drug-resistant trypanosomes in the Ghibe valley of southwest Ethiopia. In December 1992, a cost-recovery scheme was introduced, and thereafter farmers paid for treatment. An average of 100 village Ethiopian Highland Zebu cattle were monitored monthly from March 1986 to February 1997. Individual animals in this herd were treated with diminazene aceturate (Berenil, Hoechst, Germany) at 3.5 mg/kg when trypanosomes were detected and their packed cell volume was less than 26%. Superimposed on this systematic trypanocidal chemotherapy, control of tsetse resulted in average reductions from 1992 to 1996 of 95% and 75% in the mean relative densities of tsetse and biting flies, respectively, and of 63% in the prevalence of trypanosomal infections in cattle. Despite these reductions, there was no significant increase in the body weight of the cows, calving rate or the mean body weight of calves at 12 months of age. There was, however, an average decrease of 57% in calf mortality (including still births) by 12 months of age, an increase of 49% in the ratio of live calves under 12 months of age to cows over 36 months of age, and an increase of 8% in the body weight of adult males.     

Experimental infection of N'Dama cattle with trypanosomes usingGlossina palpalis gambiensis caught in the wild

Summary The transmissibility of trypanosome infection to N'Dama cattle by tsetse flies caught in the field was examined. Wild-caughtGlossina palpalis gambiensis were transferred singly into small numbered cages and allowed to feed on 14 uninfected N'Dama cattle. Following a completed feed the tsetse were dissected and infection in the proboscis, the salivary glands and the gut was recorded. Each animal was bitten by a number of tsetse ranging from five up to 64 flies. Following dissection of the tsetse flies, seven of the cattle were found to have been bitten by a single infected tsetse, five by two, while the remaining two were each fed upon by three infected tsetse. The tsetse were harbouring eitherTrypanosoma vivax or a trypanosome species belonging to theNannomonas subgenus or both species. The experimental animals were monitored daily over a period of three months for the appearance of trypanosomes in the blood and for antibodies in their sera. Other parameters such as body temperature, local skin reactions, packed red cell volume and weight changes were also measured. Trypanosomes were first detected eight days after the infective bite. Only five of the 14 cattle became infected, of which three had been exposed to a single infected tsetse fly.Trypanosoma vivax was detected in one animal,Trypanosoma congolense in two cattle and mixed infections of both species in the remaining two animals. These findings show that N'Dama cattle can become infected with trypanosomes through the bite of a single infected tsetse fly under field conditions. However, only five (possibly eight) of the 23 infected tsetse were able to transmit the parasites successfully.

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Infeccion Experimental De Ganado N'Dama Con Tripanosomas UsandoGlossina Palpalis Gambiensis Atrapadas En El Campo

Resumen Se estudió la transmisibilidad de infecciones con tripanosomas a ganado N'Dama, a través de moscas tsetse atrapadas en el campo. LasGlossina palpalis gambiensis atrapadas, fueron transferidas individualmente a jaulas numeradas, donde se alimentaron sobre 14 animales N'Dama sin infección alguna.Una vez completada una comida, las moscas se disecaron buscándose infecciones en la proboscis, glándulas salivares e intestino. Cada animal fue picado por un buen número de moscas, en un rango de cinco a 64. Seguida a la disección de las moscas tsetse, siete bovinos fueron picados por una sola mosca infectada; cinco por dos, mientras que los otros dos fueron cada uno picado por tres tsetse infectadas. Las moscas estaban infectadas conTrypanosoma vivax o con especies de tripanosomas pertenecientes al subgéneroNannomonas, o por ambas especies.Los animales fueron seguidos clínicamente día a día por un período de tres meses por la presencia de tripanosomas en la sangre y anticuerpos en el suero. Se tomaron en cuenta otros parámetros como la temperatura corporal, reacciones cutáneas locales, volumen corpuscular celular y peso corporal. Los primeros tripanosomas se detectaron ocho días después de la picadura de moscas infectadas. Solamente cinco de los 14 bovinos se infectaron, de los cuales tres, habían sido expuestos a una única tsetse infectada. Se detectóTrypanosoma vivax en un animal,T. congolense en dos bovinos más e infecciones mixtas en los otros dos.Estos hallazgos demuestran, que el ganado N'Dama puede infectarse con tripanosomiasis, seguidamente de la picadura de una sola tsetse infectada bajo condiciones de campo. Sin embargo, solamente cinco (posiblemente ocho) de las 23 tsetse infectadas, fueron capaces de transmitir el parásito exitosamente.

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Infection Experimentale De Bovins N'Dama Avec Des Trypanosomes A l'Aide DeGlossina Palpalis Gambiensis Capturees A l'Etat Sauvage

Résumé La transmissibilité de possibilité de transmission de la trypanosomose à des bovins N'Dama par des mouches tsé-tsé capturées sur le terrain a été examinée. DesGlossina palpalis gambiensis capturées à l'état sauvage ont été transférées individuellement dans de petities cages numérotées et placées pour se nourrir sur 14 bovins N'Dama indemnes.A la suite d'un repas complet, les mouches ont été disséquées et on a enregistré l'infection dans le proboscis, les glandes salivaires et l'intestin. Chaque animal a été piqué par un nombre de mouches allant de cinq à soixante quatre. A la suite de la dissection des glossines, on a trouvé que sept bovins avaient été piqués par une seule mouche infectée, cinq par deux mouches, alors que les deux derniers avaient servi à nourrir chacun trois glossines infectées. Les mouches tsé-tsé hébergeaient soitTrypanosoma vivax ou une espèce de trypanosomes appartenant au sous genreNannomonas ou par les deux espèces.Les animaux d'expérience ont été suivis quotidiennement pendant trois mois pour observer l'apparition des trypanosomes dans le sang et des anticorps dans leur sérum. D'autre paramètres tels que la température corporelle, les réactions cutanées locales, le volume erythrocytaire et les variations pondérales ont également été mesurés. Les trypanosomes ont été détectés pour la première fois huit jours après la morsure infectante. Seuls cinq des 14 bovins se sont infectés, parmi lesquels trois avaient été exposés à une seule mouche infectée. On a détéctéTrypanosoma vivax chez un animal,T. congolense chez deux bovins et des infections mixtes des deux espèces chez les deux derniers animaux infectés. Ces observations montrent que les bovins N'Dama peuvent devenir infectés par des trypanosomes par la piqure d'une unique mouche tsé-tsé infectée dans les conditions du terrain. Cependant, seulement cinq (peut-être huit) des 23 glosssines infectées ont été capables de transmettre les parasites avec succès.

     

Trypanosome genetics: populations, phenotypes and diversity

In the last decade, there has been a wide range of studies using a series of molecular markers to investigate the genotypic diversity of some of the important species of African trypanosomes. Here, we review this work and provide an update of our current understanding of the mechanisms that generate this diversity based on population genetic analysis. In parallel with field based studies, our knowledge of the key features of the system of genetic exchange in Trypanosoma brucei, based on laboratory analysis, has reached the point at which this system can be used as a tool to determine the genetic basis of a phenotype. In this context, we have outlined our current knowledge of the basis for phenotypic variation among strains of trypanosomes, and highlight that this is a relatively under researched area, except for work on drug resistance. There is clear evidence for ‘strain’-specific variation in tsetse transmission, a range of virulence/pathogenesis phenotypes and the ability to cross the blood brain barrier. The potential for using genetic analysis to dissect these phenotypes is illustrated by the recent work defining a locus determining organomegaly for T. brucei. When these results are considered in relation to the body of research on the variability of the host response to infection, it is clear that there is a need to integrate the study of host and parasite diversity in relation to understanding infection outcome.     

昆虫肠道微生物功能及家蚕肠道微生物研究进展

昆虫肠道是一种特殊的微生物生长环境 ,肠道有益微生物生长会给宿主带来各种利好 ,在营养、防护方面对宿主产生积极影响.和哺乳动物相比 ,大部分昆虫肠道微生物种类较少 ,但一些昆虫肠道会寄生大量的特定的微生物.昆虫消化道形态、理化环境差异极大 ,这些因素都会影响肠道微生物种群结构.蚕桑研究人员对不同食物、饲养环境及逆境下家蚕肠道微生物也有研究 ,并在肠道微生物营养补充、抗病防护功能方面做了有益探索 ,表明有益微生物在提高食物转化效率和病害防控方面具有应用潜力.     

Impact of tsetse and trypanosomiasis control on cattle herd composition and calf growth and mortality at Arbaminch District (Southern Rift Valley, Ethiopia)

The effect of tsetse/trypanosomiasis control on cattle herd composition and growth and mortality of calves in tsetse controlled (by Southern Tsetse Eradication Project (STEP)) and uncontrolled blocks in southern Ethiopia was assessed. Structured questionnaire was used to interview 182 households to estimate cattle herd composition and calf mortality. Calves were bled to examine the presence of trypanosomes by the buffy coat technique. Forty NGU traps were deployed and fly catches determined. A case-control study was performed on 40 calves for 6?months to estimate calve growth parameters. Accordingly, the mean cattle herd size was lower in tsetse-controlled block than in the uncontrolled block, whereas the relative number of calves in a herd tend to be higher in the tsetse-controlled block (P?=?0.06). While there was no report of cattle mortality in tsetse-controlled block, 16.48?% of the respondents have lost calves in tsetse-uncontrolled block in 1?year time. The prevalence of trypanosome positive calves was 2.95?% for uncontrolled block but no positive case in tsetse-controlled block. The apparent densities of flies/trap/day in tsetse-uncontrolled block were 30-fold higher than in tsetse-controlled block (P?相似文献