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Characterization of the virome associated with Haemagogus mosquitoes in Trinidad, West Indies.

ABSTRACT: Currently, there are increasing concerns about the possibility of a new epidemic due to emerging reports of Mayaro virus (MAYV) fever outbreaks in areas of South and Central America. Haemagogus mosquitoes, the primary sylvan vectors of MAYV are poorly characterized and a better understanding of the mosquito's viral transmission dynamics and interactions with MAYV and other microorganisms would be important in devising effective control strategies. In this study, a metatranscriptomic based approach was utilized to determine the prevalence of RNA viruses in field-caught mosquitoes morphologically identified as Haemagogus janthinomys from twelve (12) forest locations in Trinidad, West Indies. Known insect specific viruses including the Phasi Charoen-like and Humaiata-Tubiacanga virus dominated the virome of the mosquitoes throughout sampling locations while other viruses such as the avian leukosis virus, MAYV and several unclassified viruses had a narrower distribution. Additionally, assembled contigs from the Ecclesville location suggests the presence of a unique uncharacterized picorna-like virus. Mapping of RNA sequencing reads to reference mitochondrial sequences of potential feeding host animals showed hits against avian and rodent sequences, which putatively adds to the growing body of evidence of a potentially wide feeding host-range for the Haemagogus mosquito vector.

SUBMITTER: Ali R

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8368243 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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miRNA profiles on wild caught mosquitoes in Grenada West Indies

Project description:Determination of miRNA profiles in most prominent mosquitoes will determine the potential targets for mosquito control Some of the most medically important viruses, such as dengue virus, West Nile virus, Zika virus, and yellow fever virus, are transmitted by mosquitoes. These aptly named arboviruses impose a tremendous cost to the health of populations around the world. As a result, much effort has gone into the study of the impact of these viruses in human infections. Comparatively less efforts, however, have been made to study the way these viruses interact with mosquitos themselves. It has long been held that these viruses are introduced into the midgut of mosquitoes upon ingestion of a blood meal before being transmitted within the saliva upon subsequent feeding. This sequence requires that the mosquito be able to defend itself from infection every step along the way-from ingesting bloodmeal to subsequent feeding. The main defense mechanisms employed by the mosquitoes to control viruses is RNA interference (RNAi). Modulation of this facet of the mosquito’s immune system would thereby suggest a practical strategy for vector control. This paper will provide an up to date overview of the mosquito’s immune system along with novel data describing miRNA profiles for Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasiatus in Grenada, West Indies.

2020-04-29 | GSE149518 | GEO

Tick-borne pathogens in neotropical animals in Trinidad, West Indies.

Project description:BackgroundTicks are important vectors of many pathogens that have contributed to the morbidity and mortality of humans and domestic animals worldwide. Wildlife species have also been implicated as reservoir hosts of a variety of tick-borne pathogens. The objective of this study was to determine which tick-transmitted pathogens were present in the animals harvested from the forest in Trinidad for human consumption.MethodsThin blood smears from 43 neotropical animals were examined microscopically for tick-borne pathogens. Additionally, DNA extraction and PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene were used for amplification of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia while the gltA gene was used for Bartonella, and Rickettsia spp. and the 18S rRNA gene for Babesia, Hepatozoon and Theileria species.ResultsPathogen DNA was amplified from four samples (a deer, collared peccary and two agoutis). Sequencing of the amplified products from the deer and collared peccary revealed 99.8% homology to Anaplasma bovis and 98.8% homology to Ehrlichia canis, respectively. Sequences from two agoutis revealed 90.4% homology to Theileria spp. DNA of Hepatozoon spp., Bartonella spp. Babesia spp. and Rickettsia spp. was not detected in any of the screened samples. An incidental finding in this study was the presence of bacteria in the blood of animals.ConclusionsThe results indicate that the DNA of tick-transmitted pathogens is present at a frequency of about 10% in the study population and suggests that neotropical mammals may serve as a source for the potential transmission of tick-borne pathogens to domestic animals and humans. In addition, physicians and hunters should be aware of the symptoms associated with zoonotic tick-borne pathogens so that these infections can be recognised, diagnosed and treated promptly. Bacteria present in carcasses can pose a food safety hazard and hunters should be trained in proper harvesting and handling of carcasses.

| S-EPMC8858492 | biostudies-literature

Identification of Host Blood Meals of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) Collected at the Aripo Savannas Scientific Reserve in Trinidad, West Indies.

Project description:Surveillance for blood-fed female mosquitoes was performed between August 2015 and February 2016 at sites along the periphery of the Aripo Savannas Environmentally Reserve (ASSR) located in northeastern Trinidad, West Indies. We collected engorged female mosquitoes representing 13 species. DNA extractions from dissected abdomens were subjected to PCR amplification with three primer pairs targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and cytochrome b gene sequences. High-quality sequence information and host identification were obtained for 42 specimens representing eight mosquito species with at least one primer combination. A broad range of vertebrates including humans were identified, but the majority were nonhuman mammals, both domestic and wild. Domestic dogs were the most common host and may represent potential sentinel species for monitoring local enzootic arbovirus activity in Trinidad. Culex declarator Dyer and Knab and Culex nigripalpus Theobald were the most common blood-fed mosquito species comprising 79.1% of the total number identified. These species obtained blood meals from birds, nonhuman mammals, and human hosts, and therefore pose significant risks as potential bridge vectors for epizootic arbovirus transmission in the ASSR area as well as other sylvan areas in Trinidad. These data represent the first such results for Trinidad.

| S-EPMC7182913 | biostudies-literature

Serosurvey for Infectious Agents Associated with Subfertility and Abortion in Dairy Cattle in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.

Project description:Despite frequent reports of subfertility and abortion in dairy cattle in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), little is known about the potential infectious and non-infectious causes. This study set out to investigate possible infectious causes of reproductive problems by measuring the seroprevalence of four of the most significant reproductive pathogens in dairy cattle worldwide: Brucella abortus (B. abortus); Neospora caninum (N. caninum), Bovine Viral Diarrhoea virus (BVDV), and Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV). These four reproductive pathogens have been suspected to be present in dairy cattle in T&T for some time but, previously, studies have not been carried out to confirm their presence. Bulk milk samples were collected from 92 dairy farms across Trinidad, representing a total of 1177 dairy cattle. Four dairy farms were selected for individual milk sampling to assess in-farm seroprevalence levels. Milk samples were tested for antibodies to the four pathogens by commercial ELISA kits. The overall farm seroprevalence was 62% for N. caninium and 23% for IBRV, and no antibodies were detected in any of the bulk milk samples for B. abortus or BVDV. Mixed infections for IBRV and N. caninum were common. Seroprevalence levels were between 8% and 65% for N. caninum and between 3% and 53% IBRV on the four individual farms. These results reveal the presence of IBRV and N. caninum for the first time on the island of Trinidad and importantly reveal no evidence for the circulation of BVDV or B. abortus in dairy cattle in Trinidad.

| S-EPMC6024791 | biostudies-other

Dystocia in a Captive Reared Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies.

Project description:Dystocia is a complication that occurs at parturition either due to foetal or maternal factors. This condition has been well studies in domesticated species. However, there is very little information on dystocia in the agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). The agouti is utilized for its meat in South America and the Caribbean. More recently, farming of these animals intensively is being practiced in the Neo-tropics. This case report attempted to provide some insight into dystocia in the agouti which has been rarely reported in animals in captivity. A female agouti weighing approximately 3 kg (kg), which was in the last stage of pregnancy, was found dead in its cage. The vulva of the animal had the hind-limbs of the offspring protruding. Upon necropsy the animal had little fat reserves and had two foetuses in the right horn of the uterus. The feet of on offspring were dislocated and exposed at the level of the vulva. Each foetus weighed approximately 200 g. The foetuses were well formed with fur, teeth and eyes. The placenta was attached to each of the foetuses. The pathological findings suggested that dystocia resulted in secondary uterine inertia, which was the cause of death of the adult female agouti. To prevent the recurrence of this situation the gestation should be staged (timed) using ultrasonography. Animals which are in their third stage of gestation should be monitored using cameras or with personnel at the facility to assist agoutis which are having difficulties at parturition.

| S-EPMC7157702 | biostudies-literature

Comparison of surveillance trapping methods to monitor Culicoides biting midge activity in Trinidad, West Indies.

Project description:Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are biting nuisances and arbovirus vectors of both public health and veterinary significance in Trinidad. We compared sampling methods to define the behaviour and bionomics of adult Culicoides populations at a commercial dairy goat farm. Three static trap designs were compared: (a) Centre for Disease Control (CDC) downdraft UV trap; (b) CDC trap with an incandescent bulb and (c) CDC trap with semiochemical lure consisting of R-(-)-1-octen-3-ol and CO2 (no bulb). Sweep netting was used to define diel periodicity. A total of 30,701 biting midges were collected using static traps, dominated by female Culicoides furens (>70% of trap collections across all three designs). There was no significant difference in the Margalef's index between the three traps; however, trap designs A and C collected a significantly greater number of individuals than trap B, and trap C gained highest species richness. The greatest species richness and abundance of Culicoides collected by sweep net was observed between 6:00 and 6:15 pm and notable differences in the crepuscular activity pattern of several species were identified. Comparative data on Culicoides species richness, abundance, sex and reproductive status is discussed and can be used to improve surveillance strategies, research designs and risk management.

| S-EPMC9796062 | biostudies-literature

Identification and characterization of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus serotype 6 in cattle co-infected with bluetongue virus in Trinidad, West Indies.

Project description:Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) is an economically important virus that can cause severe clinical disease in deer and to a lesser extent cattle. This study set out to determine and characterize which EHDV serotypes were circulating in Trinidad. Serum and whole blood samples were collected monthly for six months from a cohort of cattle imported to Trinidad from the USA. Results revealed that all the cattle seroconverted to EHDV within six months of their arrival, with EHDV RNA being detected in the samples just prior to antibodies, as expected. Serotyping assays revealed that a single serotype (EHDV-6) was circulating in the cattle. Sequencing of the surface viral protein (VP2) of EHDV-6, followed by phylogenetic analysis, revealed that the Trinidad EHDV-6 strain was closely related to EHDV-6 viruses found in Guadeloupe (2010), Martinique (2010) and USA (2006), with 96-97.2% nucleotide identity. The Trinidad EHDV-6 VP-2 shared 97.2% identity with the Australian EHDV-6 prototype strain, classifying it within the eastern topotype clade. Bayesian coalescent analysis support Australia as the most probable source for the EHDV-6 VP2 sequences in the Americas and Caribbean region and suggests that the they diverged from the Australian prototype strain around 1966 (95% HPD 1941-1979).

| S-EPMC6340808 | biostudies-literature

Metagenomic analysis of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes from Grenada, West Indies.

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| S-EPMC7153883 | biostudies-literature

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from Guadeloupe (French West Indies) are able to transmit yellow fever virus.

Project description:The recent yellow fever epidemic in Brazil has raised the concern of outbreaks in neighboring countries, particularly in the Caribbean region where the vector Aedes aegypti is predominant. This threat comes from the past when in the Americas, this disease caused devastating urban epidemics. We report the vector competence of Ae. aegypti from Guadeloupe for yellow fever virus by determining different parameters describing virus infection, dissemination, and transmission. The results indicate that Ae. aegypti Guadeloupe are susceptible to yellow fever virus with viral particles detected in mosquito saliva at 14 and 21 days post-infection. Local authorities and more broadly, international organizations should maintain the active surveillance of Aedes mosquitoes and the spreading of human cases from South America.

| S-EPMC6161873 | biostudies-literature

A study in a hospital setting in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, on the psychological factors that cause road traffic collisions.

Project description:The following research paper aims to examine the psychological factors that have led to road traffic collisions (RTCs) by conducting research on drivers who had been admitted to the Accident and Emergency department at four major hospitals in Trinidad as RTC cases. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in four major hospitals in Trinidad. Sample size was 900 participants admitted to the hospital as RTC cases, and the sample was selected using Daniel's formula. All 900 participants were drivers involved in an RTC and were mostly male, and majority of drivers involved in an RTC were within the age group of 30-39 years. The survey was conducted in a 3-month window between March and June 2013. The results of the survey indicated that there was a significant relationship between most of the factors and RTCs, that is, p<0.05. This indicated that the null hypotheses did not hold. Thus, there was an positive correlation. The study revealed that attitude of drivers, real driving practice and the driving knowledge possessed by the driver were associated factors for RTCs. The survey also established that factors such as stress, the lack of sleep and fatigue were also likely to be associated with RTC.

| S-EPMC5476759 | biostudies-literature

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