Microbiome comparison of Dermanyssus gallinae populations from different farm rearing systems and the presence of common endosymbiotic bacteria at developmental stages.

The hematophagous arthropod, Dermanyssus gallinae (Poultry red mite, PRM) can cause remarkable economic losses in the poultry industry across the globe. Although overall composition of endosymbiotic bacteria has been shown in previous studies, how farm habitats influence the microbiome remains unclear. In the present study, we compared the bacterial communities of D. gallinae populations collected from the cage and free-range farms using next-generation sequences targeting the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. The QIIME2 pipeline was followed in bioinformatic analyses. Proteobacteria represented a great majority of the total bacterial community of D. gallinae from both farming systems. More specifically, Bartonella-like bacteria (40.8%) and Candidatus Cardinium (21.5%) were found to be predominant genera in free-range and cage rearing systems, respectively. However, the microbiome variation based on farming systems was not statistically significant. In addition, the presence of the five common endosymbiotic bacteria (Wolbachia, Cardinium, Rickettsiella, Spiroplasma, and Schineria) was screened in different developmental stages of D. gallinae. Cardinium was detected in all developmental stages of D. gallinae. On the other hand, Wolbachia and Rickettsiella were only found in adults/nymphs, but neither in the eggs nor larvae. To our knowledge, this study provides the first microbiome comparison at genus-level in D. gallinae populations collected from different farm habitats and will contribute to the knowledge of the biology of D. gallinae.

A Rare Case of Oral Myiasis Caused by Phormia regina (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in an Intubated Patient

Myiasis is the infestation of tissues with living larvae. Oral myiasis is an extremely rare form of the disease, with open mouth, unconsciousness, and poor oral hygiene being the predisposing factors. It is generally observed in the tropics or subtropics, as well as rural places with low socio-economic income. Mechanical removal and ivermectin are frequently used as treatments. Herein, we present a case of oral myiasis in a 69-year-old male intubated patient with myocardial infarction. Multiple larvae were observed in the mouth and mechanically removed. With the microscopic investigation, the larvae were identified as Phormia regina (Meigen) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), which is extremely rare globally. For preventing oral myiasis, good patient care, good sanitary practice for oral health, efficient treatment of dental diseases, and fly population control, usage of masks for the risk groups are recommended.

Biochemical and molecular mechanisms of acaricide resistance in Dermanyssus gallinae populations from Turkey.

The poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, is the most important blood sucking ectoparasite of egg laying hens and causes economic losses in poultry farms worldwide. Although various management methods exist, the control of poultry red mites (PRMs) mainly relies on acaricides such as pyrethroids and organophosphates (OPs) in many regions of the world. However, repeated use of these synthetic chemicals has resulted in resistance development causing control failure of PRM. In this study, we investigated acaricide resistance mechanisms of Turkish PRM populations. First, we obtained the COI sequence from 30 PRM populations from different regions in Turkey and identified four different COI haplotypes. Toxicity assays showed that four field-collected PRM populations were highly resistant to the pyrethroid alpha-cypermethrin, with resistance ratios (RRs) varying between 100- and 400-fold, while two of these populations had a RR of more than 24-fold against the OP acaricide phoxim. Biochemical assays showed a relatively higher activity of glutathione-S-transferases and carboxyl-cholinesterases, two well-known classes of detoxification enzymes, in one of these resistant populations. In addition, we also screened for mutations in the gene encoding the voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) and acetylcholinesterase 1 (ace-1), the target-site of pyrethroids and OPs, respectively. In all but two PRM populations, at least one vgsc mutation was detected. A total of four target-site mutations, previously associated with pyrethroid resistance, M918T, T929I, F1534L, F1538L were found in domain II and III of the VGSC. The T929I mutation was present in the vgsc of almost all PRM populations, while the other mutations were only found at low frequency. The G119S/A mutation in ace-1, previously associated with OP resistance, was found in PRM for the first time and present in fourteen populations. Last, both alive and dead PRMs were genotyped after pesticide exposure and supported the possible role of target-site mutations, T929I and G119S, in alpha-cypermethrin and phoxim resistance, respectively. To conclude, our study provides a current overview of resistance levels and resistance mutations in Turkish PRM populations and might aid in the design of an effective resistance management program of PRM in Turkey.

Evaluation of in-house factors affecting the population distribution of Dermanyssus gallinae in cage and backyard rearing systems by using a modified monitoring method.

Dermanyssus gallinae (poultry red mite, PRM) is a main ectoparasite of poultry that represents a serious economic threat to all farming systems, including cages and backyard flocks. In recent years, economic losses associated with this ectoparasite have progressively increased, mainly because of the lack of information regarding its population dynamics and appropriate control methods. In this study, we used a modified monitoring method to examine the in-house factors affecting the population density of D. gallinae. PRMs have been found in all poultry houses examined in Turkey. The largest population was detected in the front and back parts of the middle rows in cage systems as well as in perches in backyard systems. Relative humidity, light, and temperature might be the most affecting factors on the mite distribution inside the poultry houses. Besides, the mite populations are influenced mainly by the last (chemical) treatment date and the construction materials of the building. Dermanyssus gallinae were found to be the most dominant mite species (98.9%), followed by Cheyletus sp. (Cheyletidae); also some Acaridae (Tyrophagus spp.) and Oribatida were identified. Hence, further research on Cheyletus sp. is required to elucidate their predatory potential and develop future control strategies. This study contributes to understanding the PRM population behavior in poultry houses as well as their monitoring and control methods, which are key components in the appropriate application of integrated pest management programs.

Gingival Myiasis on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Turkey: A Case Report

Myiasis is a disease caused by tissue invasion of diptera larvae and eggs. Oral myiasis is mostly related to old age, poor oral hygiene, suppurative lesions, anatomical disorders and cancer cases. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an important risk factor for myiasis. This report presents the case of an 82-year-old woman who presented with gingival myiasis developing on the background of OSSC. The patient was diagnosed with OSSC in the hospital. Myiasis larvae were identified and sent to the National Parasitology Reference Laboratory for identification. Thus, development of myiasis on OSCC background was shown in Turkey for the first time. Myiasis larvae have been identified as the 3rd phase of the larvae Sarcophaga sp. development (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). As a result, myiasis cases are sporadic in Turkey, and it can be avoided by controlling fly population and by paying attention to hygiene. Controlling myiasis is an important public health problem and should be considered in a single health concept, as it causes health problems in both humans and animals. The findings of this case will draw attention to the importance of dealing with myiasis factors, which is a public health problem.

Genetic analysis and screening of pyrethroid resistance mutations in Varroa destructor populations from Turkey.

Varroa destructor is the most common ectoparasite of the Western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) worldwide and poses a serious threat to bee health. Synthetic acaricides, particularly pyrethroids, are frequently used to control Varroa mites. However, long-term and repeated use of synthetic pyrethroids has led to the development of resistance. In this study, we report on the presence of resistance mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel in V. destructor populations from Turkish beekeeping areas. Two resistance mutations, L925V and L925I, that were previously associated with pyrethroid resistance, were found in more than 75% of the populations. A general correlation between the presence of mutations and the history of acaricide usage was observed for the sampled hives. In addition, we show there is only a low genetic distance among the sampled V. destructor populations, based on the analysis of three mitochondrial genes: cytochrome b (cytb), ATP synthase subunit 6 (atp6), and cytochrome c oxidase subunit III (cox3). Revealing the presence and geographical distribution of pyrethroid resistance mutations in V. destructor populations from Turkish apiaries will contribute to create more effective mite management programmes.

Investigation of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Cats Using Sabin-Feldman Dye Test in Ankara in 2016

Objective: Toxoplasmosis, in which obligate intracellular protozoa Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) is the causative organism, is a multisystemic disease that can be seen all over the world and can impair all vertebrates. The only hosts known for T.gondii are members of Felidae family. Our study aimed to determine anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies with Sabin-Feldman Dye Test (SFDT) in cats in Ankara. It's aimed to evaluate the current situation in terms of Toxoplasmosis spread by comparing our findings with previous studies in the same region. Methods: Rh strain of Toxoplasma used in our study is maintained in our laboratory. SFDT is still accepted as the gold standard. Material of the study was obtained by taking blood samples from cats who were admitted to the clinics between March 2016 and October 2016 in Ankara. Blood samples were inactivated and measurements were done with SFDT 1/4, 1/16, 1/64, 1/256, 1/1024 titers. Results: SFDT resulted positive in 56 (43.4%) cats at a dilution of 1/16, in 7 (5.4%) cats at a dilution of 1/64, in 23 (17.8%) cats at a dilution of 1/256 and negative in 43 (33.3%) cats. Comparison of demographic data with SFDT results showed that positive test results did not differ according to gender and age (P=0.803 and P=0.991, respectively). Seropositivity was higher in stray cats than house cats (P<0.001). Test results were negative in the cats that fed only by commercial dry food (P<0.001). Positivity in hunter cats was more than in non-hunters (P<0.001). Conclusion: Seropositivity was detected in 66.6% of the cats, which was quite a high rate. As a result, taking precautions in terms of Toxoplasma for stray cats that are hunting and feeding naturally is a necessity for public health.