Tyrophagus Longior Research Articles

Tyrophagus longior

This datasheet on Tyrophagus longior covers Identity, Distribution, Hosts/Species Affected.

De novo sequence of the mitochondrial genome of Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Sarcoptiformes) including 22 tRNA sequences and the largest non-coding region.

In this study, we de novo sequenced and analyzed the circular mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Tyrophagus putrescentiae. It was 14,156bp long and contained a complete set of 37 genes, contrary to the initial published sequences; it included 22 tRNA sequences and the largest non-coding region. The mtDNA gene order of T. putrescentiae was found to be identical to that of Aleuroglyphus ovatus, Caloglyphus berlesei, and Rhizoglyphus robini (all Acaroidea). Most tRNAs of T. putrescentiae lack at least a D-arm or T-arm. Tyrophagus putrescentiae tRNAs also shared considerable structural and sequence similarity with the tRNAs of other reported Acaroidea species that have the full set of tRNAs. The largest non-coding region was located between trnF and trnS1, and it contained a microsatellite-like (AT)n sequence, short palindromic sequences, and several hairpin loops, as observed in other reported Acaroidea species (excepting Tyrophagus longior).

The mitochondrial genomes of sarcoptiform mites: are any transfer RNA genes really lost?

BackgroundMitochondrial (mt) genomes of animals typically contain 37 genes for 13 proteins, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. In sarcoptiform mites, the entire set of mt tRNA genes is present in Aleuroglyphus ovatus, Caloglyphus berlesei, Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus, Histiostoma blomquisti and Psoroptes cuniculi. Loss of 16 mt tRNA genes, however, was reported in Steganacarus magnus; loss of 2–3 tRNA genes was reported in Tyrophagus longior, T. putrescentiae and Sarcoptes scabiei. Nevertheless, convincing evidence for mt gene loss is lacking in these mites.ResultsWe sequenced the mitochondrial genomes of two sarcoptiform mites, Histiostoma feroniarum (13,896 bp) and Rhizoglyphus robini (14,244 bp). Using tRNAScan and ARWEN programs, we identified 16 and 17 tRNA genes in the mt genomes of H. feroniarum and R. robini, respectively. The other six mt tRNA genes in H. feroniarum and five mt tRNA genes in R. robini can only be identified manually by sequence comparison when alternative anticodons are considered. We applied this manual approach to other mites that were reported previously to have lost mt tRNA genes. We were able to identify all of the 16 mt tRNA genes that were reported as lost in St. magnus, two of the three mt tRNA genes that were reported as lost in T. longior and T. putrescentiae, and the two mt tRNA genes that were reported as lost in Sa. scabiei. All of the tRNA genes inferred from these manually identified genes have truncation in the arms and mismatches in the stems.ConclusionsOur results reveal very unconventional tRNA structures in sarcoptiform mites and do not support the loss of mt tRNA genes in these mites. The functional implication of the drastic structural changes in these tRNA genes remains to be investigated.

Preliminary investigation of acaroid mites breeding in commercial food in Hsinchu City, Taiwan Province, China

To investigate the breeding of acaroid mites in the stored food in Taiwan Province, China. The breeding mites from samples selected from the markets in Hsinchu City, Taiwan Province were separated under a microscope. The isolations were used for slide preparation, then observed and identified under a microscope. Among the 39 species samples, 13 species of acaroid mites were isolated from the samples. They belonged to 11 genera of 6 families. They were Acarus siro, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Tyrophagus longior, Aleuroglyphus ovatus, Caloglyphus berlesei, Suidasia nesbitti, Lardoglyphus konoi, Lepidoglyphus destructor, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Chortoglyphus arcuatus, Carpoglyphus lactis, Dermatophagoides farina and Gohieria fuscus. There are acaroid mites breeding in the commercial food in Hsinchu City, Taiwan Province, China. Therefore, relevant measures should be taken to control the breeding of acaroid mites.

The full-length mitochondrial rDNA sequence of Tyrophagus longior (Astigmata: Acaridae) and phylogeny of astigmatid mites based on mitochondrial rDNA sequences

Mites of the genus Tyrophagus are economically important as they are polyphagous stored product pests and cause medically allergic reactions to human. Considering that examining the phylogenetic relationship among Astigmata species might help to understand their evolutionary process, we sequenced and analyzed the mitochondrial (mt) rDNA of the Tyrophagus longior and compared with those of six other astigmatid mites, as well as assessed the phylogenetic relationship among astigmatid species based on the complete mt rDNA sequences. Sequence analysis showed that the mt rDNA sequences of seven Astigmata species have high A + T contents (average value: 72.0% for 12S rRNA and 72.4% for 16S rRNA, respectively). The genetic distance and transition/transversion (TS/TV) of the seven Astigmata species reached interspecies level. In addition, the predicted stem-loop secondary structure of T. longior mt rDNA closely resembled those of other reported acariform mites. Finally, phylogenetic analyses based on complete sequences of 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes revealed that a close relationship between the families Acaridae and Pyroglyphidae, and supported the monophyly of the Acaridae as well as the Astigmata. These results are consistent with traditional classifications. Therefore, the mt rRNA genes are suitable for inferring phylogenetic relationship among astigmatid mites in this study, although the differentiation among the seven astigmata species has approached interspecies level.

A lost world disease: Copra itch outbreak caused by Tyrophagus longior mite in a family at Southern Province of Thailand, June - July 2016

A lost world disease: Copra itch outbreak caused by Tyrophagus longior mite in a family at Southern Province of Thailand, June - July 2016

Investigation of Lardoglyphus konoi (Astigmata) breeding in stored Solenognathus

To investigate the mites breeding in stored Solenognathus. Solenognathus was collected from a Chinese medicine shop in Wuhu City, and mites were isolated and identified under a microscope. Totally 256 mites were isolated from 500 g Solenognathus, and four species were found, including 219 Lardoglyphus konoi, 12 Tyrophagus longior, 21 Tyrophagus putrescentiae and 4 Euroglyphus maynei. The breeding density of L. konoi was 0.438/g. There are mites breeding in the stored Solenognathus, and the most mites are L. konoi. Effective measures should be taken to prevent and control it.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the storage mite pest Tyrophagus longior (Gervais) (Acari: Acaridae) and comparative mitogenomic analysis of four acarid mites

Mites of the genus Tyrophagus are economically important polyphagous pest commonly living on stored products and also responsible for allergic reactions to humans. Complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) and the gene features therein are widely used as molecular markers in the study of population genetics, phylogenetics as well as molecular evolution. However, scarcity on the sequence data has greatly impeded the studies in these areas pertaining to the Acari (mites and ticks). Information on the Tyrophagus mitogenomes is quite critical for phylogenetic evaluation and molecular evolution of the mitogenomes within Acariformes. Herein, we reported the complete mitogenome of the allergenic acarid storage mite Tyrophagus longior (Astigmata: Acaridae), an important member of stored food pests, and compared with those of other three acarid mites. The complete mitogenome of T. longior was a circular molecule of 13,271bp. Unexpectedly, only 19 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) were present, lacking trnF, trnS1 and trnQ. Furthermore, it also contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) and 2 genes for rRNA (rrnS and rrnL) commonly detected in metazoans. The four mitogenomes displayed similar characteristics with respect to the gene content, nucleotide comparison, and codon usages. Yet, the gene order of T. longior was different from that in other Acari. The J-strands of the four mitogenomes possessed high A+T content (67.4–70.0%), and exhibited positive GC-skews and negative AT-skews. Most inferred tRNAs of T. longior were extremely truncated, lacking either a D- or T-arm, as found in other acarid mites. In T. longior mitogenome the A+T-rich region was just 50bp in length and can be folded as a stable stem-loop structure, whereas in the region some structures of microsatellite-like (AT)n and palindromic sequences was not present. Besides, reconstructing of the phylogenetic relationship based on concatenated amino acid sequences of 13 PCGs supported that monophyly of the family Acaridae and the order Astigmata, to which the former belongs. Our results were consistent with the traditional classifications.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Tyrophagus longior (Acari: Acaridae): gene rearrangement and loss of tRNAs

Most species of the family Acaridae are economically pests for stored grains and growing agricultural crops. However, complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) and the gene features therein are increasingly used for investigating the mechanism of resistance to acaricides. Herein, we present the complete mitogenome of the acrid mite Tyrophagus longior. Unexpectedly, only 19 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs) were present in the mitogenome of T. longior, lacking trnF, trnS1 and trnQ. Further, the mitogenome of T. longior was 13,271 bp in length, and contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) and 2 ribosomal RNAs (rrnS and rrnL). The gene order in T. longior was the same as that in T. putrescentiae, yet was distinct from other Acari by gene translocations and/or inversions as well as loss. Twenty-six genes were encoded on the heavy strand (H-strand), while the remaining genes were located on the light strand (L-strand). Most present tRNAs were truncated (48–63 bp, average 53.7 ± 3.07 bp), and lacked either a D- or T-arm. The largest non-coding region (the A + T-rich region) was just 50 bp in length and located between the rrnS and rrnL genes. Although the region was formed a stable stem-loop structure, some structures of microsatellite-like (AT)n and palindromic sequences were not found as previously described in other acarid mites. This information on T. longior mitogenome may help to improve our understanding of the acaricides-resistance mitochondrial genes.

Mite species identification in the production of allergenic extracts for clinical use and in environmental samples by ribosomal DNA amplification

The identification of allergy-causing mites is conventionally based on morphological characters. However, molecular taxonomy using ribosomal DNA (rDNA) may be particularly useful in the analysis of mite cultures and purified mite fractions in the production of allergenic extracts. Full-length internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and ITS2) were obtained from Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides microceras and Euroglyphus maynei (Astigmata: Pyroglyphidae), Glycyphagus domesticus and Lepidoglyphus destructor (Astigmata: Glycyphagidae), Tyrophagus fanetzhangorum, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Tyrophagus longior, Tyrophagus neiswanderi, Acarus farris and Acarus siro (Astigmata: Acaridae), and Blomia tropicalis (Astigmata: Echymopodidae), using mite-specific primers. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were digested with HpaII and RsaI restriction enzymes in order to produce species-specific PCR restricted fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) profiles. A semi-nested re-amplification step was introduced before the RFLP in order to apply the method to environmental samples. Results demonstrate that rDNA sequences can be used for the unambiguous identification of mite species. The PCR-RFLP system allows the identification of species in purified mite fractions when the availability of intact adult mite bodies for morphological identification is limited. This reliable and straightforward PCR-RFLP system and the rDNA sequences obtained can be of use in the identification of allergy-causing mite species.

A zoologist’s perspective on Robert Hooke’s Micrographia (1665) studies of marine and terrestrial invertebrates, and his contemplations on invertebrate “generation” and mutability

Nearly half of the “Schemata” (engravings) in Robert Hooke’s seminal work of science Micrographia (1665) show either entire invertebrates or their body parts, and a similar proportion of the “Observations” (descriptions and conjectures) either discuss such organisms at length or refer to them in some other way. Here, taxonomically accurate identifications are attempted for the full array of the book’s marine and terrestrial non-insectan invertebrate taxa (a similar treatment of its insects having recently been published). Those animals belong to the following five phyla: Porifera, Ectoprocta, Nemata, Mollusca, Arthropoda, and to the following species: Flustra foliacea, Turbatrix aceti, Cornu aspersum, Chelifer cancroides, Phauloppia lucorum, Leiobunum rotundum, Tyrophagus longior. Hooke also wrote about a spider which was very probably Salticus scenicus, and he mentions the scabies mite Sarcoptes scabei. The non-insectan invertebrate Observations are examined with a view to evaluating their scientific content, originality and insightfulness. I show Hooke to have undertaken pioneering comparative studies with regard to structure and behaviour. Though brief, his conjecture on swimming in nematode worms is among the earliest attempts to explain the physics of swimming, pre-dating that of Giovanni Borelli. Hooke’s writings on the generation of non-insectan invertebrates are analysed in detail and placed into context with those he made on other organisms. He postulated an explicitly reproductive scenario for the generation of gall-associated arthropods, and he had doubts about the supposedly spontaneous generation of mites and insects associated with “putrifying” or “fermenting” substrates. Drawing upon a substantial body of evidence gleaned from the text of Micrographia, I argue that his greater awareness of the reproductive biology of arthropods was a particularly important driver of those ideas. I also analyse Hooke’s writings on the mutability of mites, and I suggest that they informed his later Discourses of Earthquakes conjectures concerning intra-specific variation and the production of new forms.

A puzzling domestic infestation of the storage mite Tyrophagus longior

Most UK records of the storage mite Tyrophagus longior are from stored and growing agricultural crops. It has rarely been found in human residences. A case is reported of an unexplained recurrent domestic infestation in a semi-rural dwelling in Staffordshire, England. The mite source was eventually identified as a hoard of dog biscuits found under floorboards within the house. The biscuits were evidently accumulated by mice infesting the house some 10 years previously. The authors hypothesise the mites were brought into the residence from local arable farmland by mice and/or the family dog and its owner.

Mites (Acari) found in flour mills in the Karaj region of Iran

Between March 2004 and July 2005, the mites associated with whole wheat, flour and sweepings (residue from, for example, the floor, equipment and the outside of sacks) in 16 flour mills in the Karaj region of the Tehran Province of Iran were surveyed. Sampling was carried out in the spring (March, April and May), summer (June, July and August) and early autumn (September and October). Mites were found in five of the mills. Nine species were recorded, namely, Acarus farris Oudemans, A. siro Linnaeus, Tyrophagus longior (Gervais), T. putrescentiae (Schrank), Lepidoglyphus destructor (Schrank), Androlaelaps casalis (Berlese), Rhysotritia ardua (C. L. Koch), Acaropsellina sollers (Kuzin) and Cheyletus carnifex Zachvatkin. Mites were found in 94% of the sweeping samples, 68.57% of the flour samples and 53.3% of the whole wheat samples.

Rapid method for the detection of storage mites in cereals: feasibility of an ELISA based approach

This paper describes the development of rapid immunodiagnostic tests for the detection of storage mite infestations in cereals and cereal products. The study's first phase (proof of concept) involved the production of a species-specific enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) for the flour mite, Acarus siro (L.), a major pest of stored commodities. The specificity of this new assay was assessed against key stored product contaminants (13 species of mites of which three were predatory, five species of insects and five species of fungi) in the presence and absence of grain. The assay was species-specific (no cross-reactivity to other storage contaminants) and was unaffected by the presence of cereal antigens in the extract. In the study's second phase, species- and genera-specific ELISAs were developed for a range of key storage mite pests: the cosmopolitan food mite (Lepidoglyphus destructor), the grocers' itch mite (Glycyphagus domesticus), the grainstack mite (Tyrophagus longior), mites of the Tyrophagus and Glycyphagus generas, and all storage mites. All tests were demonstrably specific to target species or genera, with no cross-reactions observed to other storage pest contaminants or cereals. The final, validation phase, involved a comparative assessment of the species-specific A. siro and the genus-specific Tyrophagus ELISAs with the flotation technique using laboratory and field samples. Both ELISAs were quantitative (0-30 mites per 10 g wheat) and produced good comparative data with the flotation technique (A. siro r(2)=0.91, Tyrophagus spp. r(2)=0.99).

Molecular and Biochemical Properties of Storage Mites (Except Blomia species)

In recent years, the allergological importance of different mite species not belonging to the family Pyroglyphidae has been demonstrated. These mites, commonly named storage mites, include Lepidoglyphus destructor, Glycyphagus domesticus, Tyrophagus putrescentiae, Acarus siro, Aleuroglyphus ovatus, Suidasia medanensis and Thyreophagus entomophagus. Several allergens from these species have been purified, sequenced and cloned. Many of these allergens have shown sequence homology and a biological function similar to those previously described in Blomia tropicalis and the Dermatophagoides spp. The main allergens described in storage mites include fatty acid binding proteins, tropomysin and paramyosin homologues, apoliphorine like proteins, alfa-tubulines and other, such as group 2, 5 and 7 allergens, which definitive biological function has not been described yet. Besides the purification and characterization of allergens, the allergenicity of other species such as Acarus farris, Austroglycyphagus malaysiensis, Blomia kulagini and B. tjibodas, Cheyletus eruditus, Chortoglyphus arcuatus, Gohieria fusca, Thyreophagus entomophagus and Tyrophagus longior has been investigated. Research has also been conducted to identify allergens in parasitic mites, such as Psoroptes ovis, Sarcoptes scabiei, Varroa jacobsoni, Diplaegidia columbae and Hemisarcoptes cooremani. The allergenicity of mites present in agricultural environments has been investigated. Crossreactivity studies have also been performed to elucidate to what extent all these mites share common, or species specific epitopes. Herein we present a comprehensive review of the allergenicity of mite species which have been implicated in human respiratory and/or dermatological diseases.

Assessment of Monitoring Methods for Early Detection of Three Species of Storage Mite in Bulk Oilseed Rape

Two types of trap, the BT Trap and PC(TM) pitfall cone trap, were evaluated against the most widely used method of sampling and sieving for their ability to detect low numbers of storage mites (Acarus siro, Tyrophagus longior and Lepidoglyphus destructor) in bulk oilseed rape, under UK maritime conditions. In addition, a synthetic lure (2-nonanone) was incorporated into the two types of trap to assess whether its presence improved trapping performance. The BT traps and PC traps were significantly more effective in detecting low numbers of mites of all species compared with sampling and sieving. The PC trap with synthetic lure was the most effective method. As the PC trap is already widely used for monitoring insects in cereal bulks in the UK, extending its application to include oilseed rape, and to detect mites, would be a logical and cost effective extension of its use.

Effectiveness of the BT mite trap for detecting the storage mite pests, Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor and Tyrophagus longior

Traps have been used extensively to provide early warning of hidden pest infestations. To date, however, there is only one type of trap on the market in the U.K. for storage mites, namely the BT mite trap, or monitor. Laboratory studies have shown that under the test conditions (20 degrees C, 65% RH) the BT trap is effective at detecting mites for at least 10 days for all three species tested: Lepidoglyphus destructor, Tyrophagus longior and Acarus siro. Further tests showed that all three species reached a trap at a distance of approximately 80 cm in a 24 h period. In experiments using 100 mites of each species, and regardless of either temperature (15 or 20 degrees C) or relative humidity (65 or 80% RH), the most abundant species in the traps was T. longior, followed by A. siro then L. destructor. Trap catches were highest at 20 degrees C and 65% RH. Temperature had a greater effect on mite numbers than humidity. Tests using different densities of each mite species showed that the number of L. destructor found in/on the trap was significantly reduced when either of the other two species was dominant. It would appear that there is an interaction between L. destructor and the other two mite species which affects relative numbers found within the trap.

Efforts to control mites on Iberian ham by physical methods.

This study is aimed at the development of a method for integrated mite control in the industrial production of Iberian and Alentejan ham. The investigations were carried out on the premises of five factories in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula. Tyrophagus longior was predominant on hams in the drying rooms, Tyrophagus putrescentiae in cellars, while Tyrolichus casei was observed only in one factory, together with Melichares dendriticus (Acari: Ascidae), a predator of tyroglyphids. Relative humidity levels below 60% reduced the growth of mites on the ham surface, but these conditions forced the mites to seek refuge: T. putrescentiae and T. casei were found in cavities inside the ham. At the end of the experimental curing period, 11% of the hams were totally disintegrated by mite damage inside. Mites survived high-temperature treatments which are detrimental to the hams: 71 degrees C, 11 min; 57 degrees C, 30 min and 40 degrees C, 96 h. They also survived a long low-humidity period: 1 month at 18 degrees C and 32% R.H.

The effect of modified atmospheres on the survival of the eggs of four storage mite species.

The results of a laboratory investigation into the effects of modified atmospheres (MA) on the eggs of mite pests of grain and cheese are presented. Four species of astigmatid mite were tested; Acarus farris (Oudemans). A. siro L., Lepidoglyphus destructor (Schrank) and Tyrophagus longior (Gervais). All are found in many habitats including grain and cheese stores. Three low oxygen (O2) MA mixtures were used, based on carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2) or simulated burner gas (0.5 or 2% O2, 10% CO2, balance N2) plus 60% CO2 in air (8% O2). The mites were exposed at 15 degrees C and 80% r.h., a combination of conditions that occurs at the surface of stored grain during the autumn which promotes mite population growth. The exposure periods required to prevent egg hatch for each species in every mixture are given. Tyrophagus longior was the most tolerant species, followed by A. siro and A. farris, with L. destructor the most susceptible. Burner gas was the most effective mixture overall with 0.5% O2 but with an increase in the O2 level to 2% for all the mixtures, CO2 became the more effective control agent. With 60% CO2 in air some loss of efficacy was observed against the three most tolerant species and even more so for L. destructor. Sublethal exposures to MAs for at least 4 days in L. destructor, 6 days in A. farris and A. siro and 8 days for T. longior caused a delay in egg hatch.

A laboratory evaluation of a regulated airflow through wheat at four combinations of temperature and humidity on the productivity of three species of stored product mites.

Aeration is a promising alternative to the use of pesticides for the control of storage insects by cooling bulk grain, but its effectiveness against mite pests is neither fully understood nor optimised. For this reason, the productivity of three species of storage mites, Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor and Tyrophagus longior, was studied in a laboratory-based experiment at four combinations of temperature and humidity (10 degrees C and 70% RH, 10 degrees C and 80% RH, 20 degrees C and 70% RH, 20 degrees C and 80% RH) with and without an airflow (at 10 m3/h/tonne, equalling 2.5 1/s/tonne, in tubes containing 15 g of grain). This is the first time that a study has examined the three principal components of aeration separately from each other. The effect of these factors was different for each species. For A. siro, temperature was the most important factor, while airflow and humidity were of similar but lesser importance. For T. longior, temperature was more important than humidity, while the reverse was true for L. destructor. For these two species, airflow was the least important factor. The airflow decreased the productivity of L. destructor and T. longior but increased the productivity of A. siro. This increase in productivity confirms that, in practice, prevention of mite infestations, in particular A. siro, will require storage of grain at low temperature, relative humidity and moisture content.