Molecular detection of zoonotic filarioids in Culex spp. from Portugal. Issue 3 (4th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Manoj, R. R. S.; Latrofa, M. S.; Cavalera, M. A.; Mendoza‐Roldan, J. A.; Maia, C.; Otranto, D.
• Is Part Of: Medical and veterinary entomology. Volume 35:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 468
• Page End: 477
• Publication Date: 2021-05-04
• Subjects: Acanthocheilonema reconditum -- Culex spp. -- Dirofilaria immitis -- Dirofilaria repens -- Onchocerca lupi -- Portugal -- Wolbachia; Entomology -- Periodicals; Veterinary entomology -- Periodicals; Insects as carriers of disease -- Periodicals; 616.968
• DOI: 10.1111/mve.12524
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-283X

Abstract

Abstract: To investigate the role of dipterans in the transmission of Onchocerca lupi and other zoonotic filarioids, samples were collected from different sites in Algarve, southern Portugal, morphologically identified and molecularly tested for filarioids. Culex sp. (72.8%) represented the predominant genus followed by Culicoides sp. (11.8%), Ochlerotatus sp. (9.7%), Culiseta sp. (4.5%), Aedes sp. (0.9%) and Anopheles sp. (0.3%). Nineteen (2.8%) specimens scored positive for filarioids, with Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (2%) positive for Dirofilaria immitis (1.4%), Dirofilaria repens, Acanthocheilonema reconditum, Onchocerca lupi, unidentified species of Filarioidea (0.2%, each) and Onchocercidae (0.6%). Additionally, Culiseta longiareolata (6.5%), Ochlerotatus caspius (3%) and Culex laticinctus (0.2%) scored positive for unidentified Onchocercidae, A. reconditum and for O. lupi, respectively. This is the first report of the occurrence of DNA of O. lupi, D. repens and A. reconditum in Culex spp. in Portugal. Information regarding the vectors and the pathogens they transmit may help to adopt proper prophylactic and control measures. Abstract : First report of the occurrence of the DNA of Onchocerca lupi, Dirofilaria repens and Acanthocheilonema reconditum in Culex spp. from Portugal. Unidentified species of Filarioidea and Onchocercidae were detected in mosquitoes from Portugal. The detection of Wolbachia supergroup E in Culex laticinctus positive for O. lupi is new to science and deserves further investigation.