Browsing by Author "Arserim, SK"
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Item Toxicity of Thiamethoxam on Field-Collected Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) From Different Regions of TurkeyArserim, SK; Çetin, H; Yetismis, K; Omondi, ZN; Özbel, YPhlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are the vectors of human and canine leishmaniasis, sand fly fever, and other arboviruses and bacteria. The control of sand flies is recommended by World Health Organization throughout the world. In this study, we investigated the susceptibility of field-collected sand flies against thiamethoxam in Turkey. The adult sand flies collected were from five different locations in three provinces; Yesiloz and Buyukpinar districts in Antalya province, Develi district in Kayseri province, and Ucpinar and Bayindirlik districts in Manisa province. They were investigated using two different doses (0.125 and 0.25 g ai/m(2)) of thiamethoxam under laboratory conditions. After 1-h exposure, all sand flies were found highly susceptible to thiamethoxam and both test doses caused 100% mortality after 24 h. Considering the KDT50 time, flies collected from Yesiloz district in Antalya province were found to be most sensitive and flies collected from Ucpinar district in Manisa province were found as the most resistance to thiamethoxam. The results show that Turkish sand flies were highly susceptible to thiamethoxam and it can be used for the control of sand flies in the field.Item Trypanosomes and Gut Microbiota Interactions in Triatomine bugs and Tsetse Flies: A vectorial perspectiveOmondi, ZN; Caner, A; Arserim, SKTriatomines (kissing bugs) and tsetse flies (genus: Glossina) are natural vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma brucei, respectively. T. cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease, endemic in Latin America, while T. brucei causes African sleeping sickness disease in sub-Saharan Africa. Both triatomines and tsetse flies are host to a diverse community of gut microbiota that co-exist with the parasites in the gut. Evidence has shown that the gut microbiota of both vectors plays a key role in parasite development and transmission. However, knowledge on the mechanism involved in parasite-microbiota interaction remains limited and scanty. Here, we attempt to analyse Trypanosoma spp. and gut microbiota interactions in tsetse flies and triatomines, with a focus on understanding the possible mechanisms involved by reviewing published articles on the subject. We report that interactions between Trypanosoma spp. and gut microbiota can be both direct and indirect. In direct interactions, the gut microbiota directly affects the parasite via the formation of biofilms and the production of anti-parasitic molecules, while on the other hand, Trypanosoma spp. produces antimicrobial proteins to regulate gut microbiota of the vector. In indirect interactions, the parasite and gut bacteria affect each other through host vector-activated processes such as immunity and metabolism. Although we are beginning to understand how gut microbiota interacts with the Trypanosoma parasites, there is still a need for further studies on functional role of gut microbiota in parasite development to maximize the use of symbiotic bacteria in vector and parasite control.Item sandflyDST: a dynamic web-based decision support tool for the morphological identification of sandflies present in Anatolia and mainland Europe, and user studyKarakülah, G; Karakus, M; Suner, A; Demir, S; Arserim, SK; Töz, S; Özbel, YSpecies identification of sandflies is mainly performed according to morphological characters using classical written identification keys. This study introduces a new web-based decision support tool (sandflyDST) for guiding the morphological identification of sandfly species present in Anatolia and mainland Europe and classified in the Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia genera (both: Diptera: Psychodidae). The current version of the tool consists of 111 questions and 36 drawings obtained from classical written keys, and 107 photographs for the quick and easy identification of 26 species of the genus Phlebotomus and four species of the genus Sergentomyia. The tool guides users through a decision tree using yes/no questions about the morphological characters of the specimen. The tool was applied by 30 individuals, who then completed study questionnaires. The results of subsequent analyses indicated that the usability ((x) over bar (SUS Score) = 75.4) and users' level of appreciation (86.6%) of the tool were quite high; almost all of the participants considered recommending the tool to others. The tool may also be useful in training new entomologists and maintaining their level of expertise. This is a dynamic tool and can be improved or upgraded according to feedback. The tool is now available online at http://parasitology.ege.edu.tr/sandflyDST/index.php.Item Ecto- and Endoparasites of the Rough-tailed Gecko Cyrtopodion scabrum (Heyden, 1827) (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Eastern TurkeyYildirimhan, HS; Sümer, N; Birlik, S; Arserim, SK; Yildiz, MZ; Eylek, BA survey of parasites of the rough-tailed gecko Cyrtopodion scabrum was carried out in Turkey in order to determine the diversity of ecto- and endoparasites of this host species. The sample of 88 host specimens (36 females, 34 males and 18 juveniles) harboured endoparasites of three species: the cestode Diplopylidium noelleri and the nematodes Physaloptera sp. and Physocephalus sp. One ectoparasite species, Geckobia sp. (Acari), was also recorded. This report represents the first data on parasites of C. scabrum from Turkey. A species of the genus Geckobia sp. is recorded for the first time from Turkey. The present study provides the first parasite records for C. scabrum in its native geographical range.Item Host-Parasite Interactions: Regulation of Leishmania Infection in Sand FlyOmondi, ZN; Arserim, SK; Töz, S; Özbel, YPurpose Sand flies are the only proven vectors of leishmaniases, a tropical neglected disease endemic in at least 92 countries. Vector-parasite interactions play a significant role in vector-borne disease transmission. There are various bottlenecks to Leishmania colonization of the sand fly midgut. Such bottlenecks include the production of innate immune-related molecules, digestive proteases, parasite impermeable peritrophic membrane, and resident gut microbiota. These barriers determine the parasite load transmitted and, consequently, the disease outcome in mammalian host. Therefore, it is important to understand the molecular responses of both sand fly and Leishmania during infection. Method Here, we reviewed the published literature on sand fly-Leishmania interactions bringing together earlier and current findings to highlight new developments and research gaps in the field. Conclusion Recent research studies on sand fly-Leishmania interaction have revealed contrasting observations to past studies. However, how Leishmania parasites evade the sand fly immune response still needs further research. Sand fly response to Leishmania infection can be best understood by analyzing its tissue transcriptome. Better characterization of the role of midgut components could be a game changer in development of transmission-blocking strategies for leishmaniasis.Item Evaluation of conjunctival swab sampling in the diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis: A two-year follow-up study in Cukurova Plain, TurkeyKarakus, M; Töz, S; Ertabaklar, H; Pasa, S; Atasoy, A; Arserim, SK; Ölgen, MK; Alkan, MZ; Durrant, C; Özbel, YThe diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis (CanL) in symptomatic and asymptomatic dogs is a very important and problematic public health issue in Turkey. A longitudinal study was carried out on dogs in selected villages in the Cukurova Plain in Turkey, from July 2011 to June 2013, where cutaneous (CL) and visceral (VL) leishmaniasis is endemic. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of CanL and to evaluate the early diagnostic performance of the non-invasive conjunctival swab nested PCR (CS n-PCR) test in comparison with the Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT). The consecutive blood and CS samples from a representative number of dogs (80-100 dogs/each survey) were collected in a cohort of 6 villages located in the area. Clinical symptoms, demographic and physical features about each dog were noted and lymph node aspiration samples were obtained from selected dogs with lymphadenopathy. In four surveys during the period, a total of 338 sets (blood and CS) of samples from 206 dogs were obtained, such that 83 dogs were sampled more than once. In the cross-sectional analysis, the CanL prevalence was found to be 27.18% (between 7.14% and 39.13%) by IFAT and 41.74% (between 29.03% and 46.66%) by CS n-PCR. The isolated strains were identified as Leishmania infantum MON-1 (n = 9) and MON-98 (n = 2) by MLEE analysis. Genetic studies targeting the Hsp70 and ITS1 regions performed on 11 dog isolates also showed two clear separate groups. According to IFAT results, 24 of the 83 dogs sampled more than once showed seroconversion (n = 19) or a four-fold increase in Ab titers (n = 5), while 17 were positive in the initial screening. Forty-two dogs stayed negative during the whole period. The natural Leishmania exposure rate was detected as 31.14% in the study area. CS n-PCR only detected Leishmania infection earlier than IFAT in 8 dogs. No statistical difference was found after the analysis of demographical and physical data. The results indicated that (i) circulation of the dog population is very common in settlements in the Cukurova Plain, but the disease prevalence is high and stable, (ii) the performance of CS n-PCR for detecting Leishmania-dog contact is higher than IFAT, (iii) and some of the parasites isolated from dogs have different zymodemes and/or genotypes from previous human and sand fly isolates; suggesting the probability of two different cycles of leishmaniasis in this particular area. This hypothesis should be supported by future studies targeting vectors and-reservoirs. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Item Vector and reservoir surveillance study in a canine and human leishmaniasis endemic area in most western part of Turkey, KaraburunKarakus, M; Arserim, SK; Kasap, ÖE; Pekagirbas, M; Aküzüm, D; Alten, B; Töz, S; Özbel, YLeishmaniasis is an arthropod borne disease that is endemic in 102 countries and one and half million new cases are reported each year. Sand flies are the one and only proven vectors of the disease and dogs are the main reservoirs in urban areas. Karaburun peninsula is located in most western part of Turkey and is reported to be an endemic area for human and canine leishmaniasis. The most recent study was undertaken more than 15 years ago in The peninsula and no clear data available for vectors or reservoirs. Thus, we aimed to update the information regarding sand fly diversity, infection status of reservoirs and vectors in the study area. Sand flies were collected using CDC light traps at 13 different sites of Karaburun and species identification was made using previously published keys. Monospecific pools were generated using midguts with blood retention and were screened for the presence of Leishmania spp. DNA by molecular techniques. A non-invasive conjunctival swab sampling was performed to identify the infection status among reservoirs and species typing of the causative agent was also undertaken using ITS1 PCR. Three out of 30 pools were found positive for Leishmania infantum that were generated using guts of Phlebotomus tobbi (n:36). Among all sampled dogs (44) and cats (19), 11 and one of them were found positive for L. infantum, respectively. There was a decrease in the number of P. papatasi during the study period, while increase was observed in the number of P. tobbi. The presence of proven vectors and reservoirs as well as Leishmania DNA in cats was shown in the present study. Sand fly fauna is updated and Leishmania DNA presence in cats was reported in the study area for the first time.Item The Toxicity of Essential Oils From Three Origanum Species Against Head Louse, Pediculus humanus capitisArserim, SK; Cetin, H; Yildirim, A; Limoncu, ME; Cinbilgel, I; Kaya, T; Ozbel, Y; Balcioglu, ICPurpose Pediculosis caused by human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer (Anoplura: Pediculidae) is a public health problem with a high prevalence, especially among children in school age. Different chemical pediculicides (insecticides) are used against lice but the repeated application of these pediculicides for the treatment of P. humanus capitis infestation in the past decades has resulted in the development of resistance. The plant essential oils have been used as alternative sources of lice treatment agents. Pediculicidal activity of the essential oils of three Origanum species (O. onites, O. majorana and O. minutiflorum) against P. humanus capitis adults was examined in this study. Methods Essential oils from aerial parts of three Origanum species were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. P. humanus capitis specimens used were obtained from infested children by combing method at primary schools. Adult lice were exposed to three dilutions (1%, 0.5% and 0.1% w/v) of tested oils for 5 min using the adult immersion test. Results According to the results, all Origanum essential oils at 1% concentration have been shown to significantly decrease the rate of limb, bowel and abdomen movements, producing more than 90% mortality after 12 h. Conclusion Our results indicated that Origanum essential oils can be used for the development of new pediculicides against head louse.Item FUMIGANT TOXICITY OF SATUREJA CUNEIFOLIA AND ZIZIPHORA CLINOPODIOIDES ESSENTIAL OILS ON FIELD COLLECTED SAND FLIES (DIPTERA: PSYCHODIDAE: PHLEBOTOMINAE)Cetin, H; Ser, O; Arserim, SK; Polat, Y; Ozbek, T; Civril, M; Cinbilgel, I; Ozbel, YSand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) are the vectors of Leishmania species. Since the larval control of the sand flies is very difficult and almost impossible, the fighting has mainly been carried out for the adults. In this research, the fumigant toxicity of two plant essential oils obtained from Satureja cuneifolia Ten. and Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. was evaluated against field collected adult Phlebotomus sand flies under laboratory conditions. The fumigant activity was tested by exposing the sand flies to essential oil vapors at 10, 20, 50 and 100 mu L/L air concentrations. Knock time 50 (KT50) values and the 95% confidence limits were calculated by using a probit analysis program. A decrease in the KT50 value is observed in S. cuneifolia and Z clinopodioides essential oils in a concentration dependent manner. KT5o values at the highest concentration (100 mu L/L air) are 9,3 and 11,6 min, respectively. After a 1 h exposure period, both test oils produced 100% mortality at all the concentrations tested. The results of the research suggest that essential oils from these two plants have a potential as control agents for sand flies.Item Determination of sand fly fauna and molecular detection of Leishmania in sand flies in Antalya Province, Southern TurkeyArserim, SK; Çetin, H; Karakus, M; Demir, S; Ser, Ö; Töz, S; Balcioglu, IC; Ölgen, MK; Yilmaz, B; Özbel, YVisceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are diseases transmitted by infected female sand flies. Since the eradication of malaria in Turkey, CL is the main vector-borne disease in the country, with more than 2000 cases per year, making it a significant public health problem. The aims of this study were to carry out an entomological survey in Antalya Province, an endemic area for CL in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey, to identify sand fly fauna and to screen female specimens for the presence of Leishmania parasites (Leishmania infantum, L. tropica, L. major, and L. donovani) using molecular analysis. Sand flies were collected in 42 localities of seven districts in Antalya Province using CDC miniature light traps in two different periods, June 2012 and September 2013. The specimens were kept in 96% ethanol until the dissection was done. The head and genitalia of the specimens were cut for preparing individual slides for species identification. The rest of the body of female specimens was kept separately. The specimens were identified at the species level, and 27 pools were generated according to the locations and species for screening the presence of Leishmania. A commercial kit was used for DNA extractions. Real-time and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1) were then performed. In total, 1306 specimens comprising nine species belonging to the Phlebotomus genus were collected in the study region, with Phlebotomus neglectus/syriacus (38.82%) the most abundant, followed by P. alexandri (21.67%) and P. tobbi (20.44%). In the 27 pools, Leishmania infantum DNA was detected in four pools containing P. neglectus/syriacus and one pool containing P. tobbi. In conclusion, the sand fly fauna in the Antalya Province is diverse. The probable vector sand fly species are P. neglectus/syriacus and P. tobbi with high dominance (59.26%), which indicates a high risk of CL transmission. The data presented here may help to shed more light on the transmission cycles of the Leishmania parasite in this CL endemic area.Item The initial detection of Toscana virus in phlebotomine sandflies from TurkeyÖzbel, Y; Oguz, G; Arserim, SK; Kasap, ÖE; Karaoglu, B; Yilmaz, A; Emanet, N; Günay, F; Hacioglu, S; Demirok, MC; Töz, S; Alten, B; Nalçaci, M; Özkul, A; Ergünay, KToscana virus (TOSV) is a prominent arthropod-borne viral agent of human central nervous system infections occurring in the Mediterranean region. The main transmission route to susceptible individuals involves sandflies as vectors. Despite several reports revealing widespread TOSV activity in Turkey, vectors remained unidentified. A sandfly field survey was carried out in five provinces in Central, Southeast and Mediterranean Anatolia in 2017 to identify TOSV and related sandfly-borne phleboviruses and Leishmania parasites, with evidence for circulation in the region. A total of 7136 sandfly specimens, collected via standard methods, were evaluated in 163 pools. TOSV was detected in 11 pools (6.7%), comprising Phlebotomus major sensu lato, Sergentomyia dentata and Phlebotomus papatasi species. TOSV partial L and S segment sequences were characterized, that phylogenetically clustered with local and global genotype A strains. An amino acid substitution outside the conserved motifs of the viral polymerase, also present in previous TOSV sequences in endemic regions, was observed. Leishmania tropica was detected in a single pool of Ph. sergentii (0.6%). This is the first report of TOSV in sandflies from Turkey, and this study further provides evidence for additional sandfly species with the potential to transmit TOSV.Item Treatment of head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation: Is regular combing alone with a special detection comb effective at all levels?Kurt, Ö; Balcioglu, IC; Limoncu, ME; Girginkardesler, N; Arserim, SK; Görgün, S; Oyur, T; Karakus, M; Düzyol, D; Gökmen, AA; Kitapçioglu, G; Özbel, YHead lice infestation (HLI) caused by Pediculus humanus capitis has been a public health problem worldwide. Specially designed combs are used to identify head lice, while anti-lice products are applied on the scalp for treatment. In the present study, we aimed to test whether combing only by precision detection comb (PDC) or metal pin comb (MPC) could be effective alternatives to the use of anti-lice products in children. A total of 560 children from two rural schools in Turkey were screened. In the PDC trial, children were combed every second day for 14 days, while in the MPC trial, combing was performed once in every four days for 15 days. Children were divided into two groups (dry combing and wet combing) for both trials and results were compared. The results showed no significant differences between dry and wet combing strategies for both combs for the removal of head lice (p>0.05). The number of adult head lice declined significantly on each subsequent combing day in both approaches, except on day 15 in the MPC trial. In the end, no louse was found in 54.1 and 48.9% of children in the PDC and MPC trials, respectively. Since family members of infested children were not available, they were not checked for HLI. Four times combing within 2 weeks with MPC combs was found effective for both treatment of low HLI and prevention of heavy HLI. In conclusion, regular combing by special combs decreases HLI level in children and is safely applicable as long-term treatment.Item Molecular detection and identification of Leishmania spp. in naturally infected Phlebotomus tobbi and Sergentomyia dentata in a focus of human and canine leishmaniasis in western TurkeyÖzbel, Y; Karakus, M; Arserim, SK; Kalkan, SO; Töz, SHuman visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is reported from 38 provinces of Turkey and dogs are accepted as main reservoir hosts. Kusadasi town, belonging to Aydin province and located in western part of Turkey, is endemic for human and canine visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum MON1 and MON98. In this study, phlebotomine survey was conducted to determine the vector sand fly species and to identify sand fly blood meal sources. In August and September 2012, 1027 sand fly specimens were caught using CDC light traps. Eight Phlebotomus and two Sergentomyia species with the dominancy ofPhlebotomus tobbi (61.34%) were detected. A total of 622 female sand flies (571 Phlebotomus; 51 Sergentomyia) were checked for Leishmania infection by direct dissection of the midgut. The half of the midgut content was inoculated into NNN culture for isolation of the parasite. Leishmania species-specific ITS1 real time PCR, conventional PCR assays of ITS1 and hsp70 genes and subsequent sequencing were performed from extracted DNAs. A region of cytochrome b (cyt-b) gene of vertebrates based PCR was used to determine the source of blood meal of sand flies. In microscopical examinations, two female specimens (0.32%) were found naturally infected with high number and different stages of promastigotes. No growth was observed in NNN culture but Leishmania DNA was obtained from both specimens. First positive specimen was identified as P. tobbi and L. infantum DNA was detected. Second specimen was Sergentomyia dentata, but Leishmania DNA could not be identified on species level. A total of 16 blood-fed female P. tobbi specimens were used for blood meal analysis and eight, three and one specimens were positive for human, dog and mouse, respectively. This is the first detection of Leishmania promastigotes using microscopical examination in P. tobbi and S. dentata in human and canine visceral leishmaniasis endemic area in western part of Turkey. Our results indicate that, (i) P. tobbi is the principal vector species and (ii) human and dogs are main blood sources. The detection of Leishmania sp. in Sergentomyia species may be an evidence for natural cycle of Sauro-leishmania agents in the area. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Item First Presentation of the Complete Infection Cycle of Visceralizing Leishmania infantum/ donovani Hybrid Strain in Turkey: The Host, Reservoir and VectorÖzbilgin, A; Arserim, SK; Tünger, Ö; Çavus, I; Yildirim, A; Tunali, V; Gündüz, CObjective: Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a widespread infectious disease of the reticuloendothelial system which is mostly caused by Leishmania infantum and L.donovani. VL is a zoonotic infection and dogs act as the main reservoirs of the disease while the vectors are the female Phlebotomus, that is to say, sandflies. Although Leishmania spp. are attributed to reproduce asexually, the genetic exchange between different strains has recently been demonstrated and causes interspecific hybrids. We aimed to present the complete infection cycle of a hybrid strain of Leishmania infantum/donovani with the host, reservoir, and vector.Materials and Methods: A patient presenting with VL proved to have a dog with canine leishmaniasis. Bone marrow aspirate from the patient and lymph node aspirates from the dog were inspected for Leishmania spp. amastigotes under light microscopy. Samples were cultured in enriched NNN medium. Serological examinations were made using IFAT for the patient serum and rK39 test for both human and dog samples. Light traps were placed to collect Phlebotomus. Leishmania molecular identification was executed by primers and probes specific to ITS-1 and cytochrome B gene region of Leishmania parasites.Results: Leishmania spp. amastigotes were detected in the slides while promastigotes were present in the enriched NNN medium. For patient serum, IFAT IgG was 1/256 positive, and rK39 was positive for both dog and human samples. Fifty-two Phlebotomus were caught (24 male, 28 female): 35 of them were P. similis, ten were P. neglectus/synacus, six were P .papatasi, and one was P. tobbi. Molecular analysis showed that the Leishmania spp. isolates from the patient, dog, and P.tobbi were identical. Gel image revealed two bands in all three samples, thus leading to the conclusion that the infecting strain was a hybrid of L. infantum and L. donovani. Conclusion: We found identical isolates that are putative hybrids of L. donovani and L. infantum in human, dog reservoir and sandfly..