CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF BITING MIDGES(DIPTERA CERATOPOGONIDAE) OF SARDINIA, ITALY

The ceratopogonid fauna of northern Sardinia (Italy) was investigated using black light traps. The study wascarried out in six localities from June to August 2015. A total of 3,879 ceratopogonids were collected and 40 speciesbelonging to 8 genera were identified. The most abundant genus was Culicoides(96%) followed by Forcipomyia(1.5%), Bezzia(1.2%) and Dasyhelea, Atrichopogon, Alluaudomyia, Stilobezziaand Brachypogon(each <1%). Sevennew species for Italian fauna were recorded: Forcipomyiabipunctata, Forcipomyiapsilonota, Culicoides achrayi,Culicoidescameroni, Culicoidescorsicusand Bezzia pygmaea. Stilobezziasahariensiswas reported for the first time inEurope

Molecular Investigation of <i>Theileria</i> and <i>Babesia</i> Species in Domestic Mammals from Sardinia, Italy

Piroplasmoses are tick-borne diseases caused by hemoprotozoan parasites of veterinary and public health significance. This study focuses on the molecular identification and characterization of species belonging to the Theileria/Babesia genera in 152 blood samples, collected from 80 horses and 72 cattle from several farms in Sardinia, by targeting the 18S rRNA gene. The PCR results highlighted that 72% of the samples were positive for Theileria/Babesia spp., with a rate of infection of 68% and 75% for the horses and cattle, respectively. Sequencing and the BLASTn analysis showed that the 18S rRNA generated in this study has 99–100% homology with the B. bigemina, T. orientalis/sergenti/buffeli, T. equi and T. annulata strains isolated from different hosts worldwide. These findings improve the knowledge on Babesia and Theileria infections in domestic mammals and confirm the significant prevalence of piroplasmosis among subclinical and carrier animals throughout the island. Furthermore, the presence of T. annulata, reported for the first time in the study area, expands the repertoire of pathogens already detected in Sardinia. Our results gather updates on the diversity and distribution of piroplasms in Sardinia and suggest the need to develop procedures to improve animal and public health safety

On the occurrence of the genus Leptanilla Emery, 1870 in Sardinia

The genus Leptanilla (Hymenoptera Formicidae), represented worldwide by 47 species, shows a very peculiar geographical distribution. It is found in Africa, Spain, Italy, Corsica, Russia, India, Ceylon, Malaysia, Java, Japan and in the southwest of Australia. Currently, no species has been discovered in North and South America. Scarcity of records, mainly due to the difficulty in collecting the female castes, leaves many aspects of Leptanilla biology still poorly known

Detection of Rickettsia hoogstraalii, Rickettsia helvetica, Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia aeschlimannii in ticks from Sardinia, Italy

International audienceTick-borne diseases represent a large proportion of infectious diseases that have become a world health concern. The presence of Rickettsia spp. was evaluated by standard PCR and sequencing in 123 ticks collected from several mammals and vegetation in Sardinia, Italy. This study provides the first evidence of the presence of Rickettsia hoogstralii in Haemaphysalis punctata and Haemaphysalis sulcata ticks from mouflon and Rickettsia helvetica in Ixodes festai ticks from hedgehog. In addition, Rickettsia massiliae, Rickettsia slovaca and Rickettsia aeschlimannii were detected in Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor marginatus and Hyalomma marginatum marginatum ticks from foxes, swine, wild boars, and mouflon. The data presented here increase our knowledge of tick-borne diseases in Sardinia and provide a useful contribution toward understanding their epidemiology. (C) 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved

<i>Anaplasma</i> Species in Ticks Infesting Mammals of Sardinia, Italy

Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites that are recognized for their ability to vector a wide variety of pathogens of viral, bacterial, protozoal, and helminthic nature to vertebrate hosts. Among the different diseases transmitted by ticks, also called “Tick-Borne Diseases” (TBD), many are zoonotic. Pathogens of the genus Anaplasma refer to obligate intracellular bacteria within the Rickettsiales order transmitted mainly through tick bites and considered as well-established threats to domestic animals, livestock, and humans, worldwide. In this retrospective study, 156 ticks collected from twenty goats, one marten, and one cattle from several Sardinian sites, were examined by molecular analyses to detect the presence of Anaplasma species. A total of 10 (10/156; 6.4%) ticks were shown to be Anaplasma-positive by PCR screening. After sequence analyses, A. phagocytophilum was detected in four Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. (3.3%) and four Rh. bursa (11%) ticks from goats, while one Rh. sanguineus s.l. (0.8%) and one Rh. bursa (2.8%) collected from the marten and cattle, respectively, exhibited 100% of identity with A. marginale strains. In this study, we provide the first description and molecular detection of A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum in ticks of the Rhiphicephalus genus in Sardinia. Considering the growing impact of tick-borne Anaplasma pathogens on human health, further studies are necessary to monitor the prevalence of these pathogens in Sardinia

Tacking the vector of Xylella fastidiosa. Geo-statistical analysis of long-term field observations on host plants influencing the distribution of Phylaenus spumarius nymphs

The meadow froghopper, Philaenus spumarius L., is endemic in Italy and was not considered a harmful species until 2014, when the olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS) showed up in Apulia (southern Italy). It was immediately suspected and then verified as the main vector of Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium responsible for the disease. Currently, EU Directives consider the fight against P. spumarius compulsory in member states and recommend Integrated Pest Management (IPM), both in uncultivated and cultivated infested areas, to minimise the environmental impact of chemical pesticides. This should be based on an improved knowledge of the vector with its seasonal trends and feeding habits linked to specific herbaceous species. In this context, our field study was aimed to improve the understanding of the vector nutritional behaviour, especially at its critical nymph stage, by monitoring its presence on different herbaceous target species, using its typical feeding foams as key indicator. The study area was in Lazio region (central Italy), dedicated to olive growing and still unaffected by the X. fastidiosa plague. Over two years, during the nymph development period, field data have been acquired over the test area and then analysed by coupling statistical (ANOVA), geographical information system (GIS) and geo-referenced field sampling approaches. Results highlighted that P. spumarius exhibits significant preferences for specific herbaceous plants, especially at its early development stages, detectable by tenuous spittle. This indicates female oviposition activity, which seems also not influenced by olive tree proximity. Furthermore, the non-host plant species identified here could be suitable for creating green barriers for limiting the vector diffusion to contiguous areas where sensible plantations are growing. In the final section, applied implications arising from the present findings for P. spumarius population management are discussed

Bluetongue outbreaks: Looking for effective control strategies against Culicoides vectors

Several arthropod-borne diseases are now rising with increasing impact and risks for public health, due to environmental changes and resistance to pesticides currently marketed. In addition to community surveillance programs and a careful management of herds, a next-generation of effective products is urgently needed to control the spread of these diseases, with special reference to arboviral ones. Natural product research can afford alternative solutions. Recently, a re-emerging of bluetongue disease is ongoing in Italy. Bluetongue is a viral disease that affects ruminants and is spread through the bite of bloodsucking insects, especially Culicoides species. In this review, we focused on the importance of vector control programs for prevention or bluetongue outbreaks, outlining the lack of effective tools in the fight against Culicoides vectors. Then, we analyzed a field case study in Sardinia (Italy) concerning the utilization of the neem cake (Azadirachta indica), to control young instar populations of Culicoides biting midges, the vectors of bluetongue virus. Neem cake is a cheap and eco-friendly by-product obtained from the extraction of neem oil. Overall, we propose that the employ of neem extraction by-products as aqueous formulations in muddy sites close to livestock grazing areas may represent an effective tool in the fight against the spread of bluetongue virus in the Mediterranean areas

Predicting the success of an invader

International audienc