|
|
Toscana virus development in sand flies
Rehbergerová, Markéta ; Jančářová, Magdaléna (advisor) ; Hönig, Václav (referee)
The Toscana virus (TOSV) is a causative agent of meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and encephalitis in humans. It is transmitted by the hematophagous sand flies Phlebotomus perniciosus and Ph. perfiliewi (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in the Mediterranean area mainly during the summer months. In this thesis we studied experimental infections of sand flies belonging to species of Ph. papatasi, Ph. perniciosus, Ph. sergenti, Ph. tobbi, and Sergentomyia schwetzi with viral strains of two TOSV lineages (TOSV-A and TOSV-B). We were unable to infect any of the tested sand fly species with TOSV- A via artificial blood feeding. We report the susceptibility of Ph. tobbi and Ph. sergenti to TOSV-B by artificial blood feeding with infection rates of 59.5% and 5.9%, respectively, and the dissemination of the virus to the head with attached salivary glands suggesting the potential for TOSV transmission to vertebrates. Experimental TOSV infections through sugar meals were unsuccessful. Key words: Toscana virus, Phlebovirus, Phlebotominae, sand fly, vector competence
|
|
|
Symbiotic bacteria of the genus Wolbachia in sand flies and mosquitoes.
Rehbergerová, Markéta ; Dvořák, Vít (advisor) ; Jančářová, Magdaléna (referee)
Bacteria of the genus Wolbachia (Proteobacteria, Rickettsiales, Rickettsiaceae) are maternally inherited intracellular symbionts of many species of arthropods (Arthropoda) and filarial nematodes (Nematoda, Secernentea). Due to the ability of Wolbachia to induce reproductive anomalies in their hosts and to reduce their infection by pathogenic organisms and viruses, they are profoundly studied. This bachelor thesis is a summary of available information regarding interactions of Wolbachia with mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) and sand flies (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae), vectors of many important infectious pathogens, and possibilities of their use in the control of pathogen transmission. Key words: Wolbachia, Phlebotominae, Culicidae, vector-borne diseases, symbiosis, vector control method
|
guest ::
