Publications

4463

Background: Ticks are significant vectors of pathogens, and their nonpathogenic intracellular bacteria, known as endosymbionts, influence tick physiology and may interact with tick-borne pathogens. Such relationships can affect transmission dynamics and understanding them is essential for designing strategies that control tick-borne diseases and reduce their impact on human and animal health. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and density of two key endosymbiotic bacteria, Francisella-like endosymbiont (FLE) and Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii (Ca. M. mitochondrii), and to investigate possible correlations between these symbionts and the protozoan parasite Theileria annulata in Hyalomma anatolicum ticks. Methods: Between January and October 2024, 116 ticks were collected from cattle in the Diwaniyah province, Iraq. The morphological examination was followed by molecular confirmation using mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequencing. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was applied to detect and quantify FLE, Ca. M. mitochondrii, and T. annulata in H. anatolicum. Results: H. anatolicum was the predominant species, representing 86% of ticks, whereas H. excavatum accounted for 13%. Mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences confirmed species identity and showed 99.48-100% similarity to reference isolates from China, Pakistan, Turkey, India, and Russia. FLE was detected in 100% of H. anatolicum, with mean loads of 7.9× 103 copies per tick. Ca. M. mitochondrii was detected in 99% of specimens, with mean loads of 3.7×102 copies per tick. FLE densities tended to be higher in females compared to males (9.7 × 10³ copies vs. 1.8 × 10³ copies) but difference was not statistically significant. Ca. M. mitochondrii loads also differed significantly (4.8 × 10² copies vs. 1.3 × 10¹ copies). T. annulata was present in all ticks, with the highest copy numbers in semi-engorged females (1.9 × 104 copies), followed by males (2.8 × 10³ copies). Our findings revealed a statistically significant association (p<0.05) between T. annulata and Ca. M. mitochondrii, whereas no significant correlation was observed between T. annulata and FLE. Conclusion: The presence of FLE and Ca. M. mitochondrii in H. anatolicum from the Diwaniyah province was documented. Evidence indicated associations between symbiont density and T. annulata infection, and the results point toward a possible role of endosymbiotic bacteria in pathogen persistence and the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases.

First sugar beet varieties with reasonable yield stability under infection with Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus (ARSEPH), the causal agent of the syndrome “Basses Richesses” (SBR), were discovered, but the mechanisms behind this have not been described yet. Thus, this research aimed at analyzing different morphological, physiological and quality related traits of ARSEPH infected sugar beet taproots to identify methods for SBR variety screening. In a greenhouse experiment, one susceptible and two tolerant varieties were infected with ARSEPH via the vector Pentastiridius leporinus (reed glass-winged cicada) under controlled conditions. In the susceptible variety, an infection with ARSEPH caused an average reduction in volume (~40%), length (~6%), width (~21%), fresh mass (~41%) and an increase in dry matter content (~5%). The tolerant varieties exhibited a lower effect on these parameters but showed a greater increase in alcohol insoluble residues (cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, lignin) and marc content. The significant enhancement in flexural taproot tissue strength observed in the tolerant varieties may be linked to increased levels of structural cell components. The susceptible and one tolerant variety exhibited reduced periderm puncture resistance after infection. This first study of physiological and morphological traits provides deeper insights into host-pathogen interaction and potential variety response. To confirm the relevance and implications of the results as new parameters for screening of SBR-tolerant varieties, further analysis with additional varieties across a larger number of samples is necessary.

Abstract Dermatophilaceae polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs), formerly classified as Tetrasphaera PAOs, play pivotal roles in enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR). However, their phylogenetic diversity, ecological preferences, and metabolic traits remain poorly characterized, and a robust marker gene for their classification is lacking. Here, we performed an extensive phylogenomic and metabolic analysis of Dermatophilaceae PAOs utilizing 46 newly recovered metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) from a laboratory-scale EBPR reactor treating high-strength wastewater and full-scale wastewater treatment plants. These analyses revealed a previously uncharacterized PAO genus, named Candidatus Dermatophostum, which is adapted to high-phosphorus environments. Its representative species, Ca. D. ammonifactor, was enriched in the EBPR reactor and its PAO phenotype was confirmed by polyphosphate staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Genomic, transcriptomic, and protein structure analyses revealed its specialized metabolic capabilities for phosphate metabolism, glycogen synthesis and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium. Moreover, Ca. Dermatophostum was found to be widely distributed across WWPTs worldwide, underscoring both its ecological importance and its potential role in mitigating nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions. Finally, we propose a ppk1 -based classification framework that resolves Dermatophilaceae PAOs into six distinct clades, consistent with whole-genome phylogeny, and demonstrates that ppk1 can serve as a reliable marker gene for tracking these populations. Together, these findings expand the ecological and functional understanding of Dermatophilaceae PAOs and highlight their promise for advancing sustainable wastewater treatment and resource recovery.

Abstract Deciphering the genomic basis of ecological diversification in activated sludge microbiomes is essential for optimizing treatment technology and advancing microbial ecology. Here, we present a global genome-resolved investigation of Candidatus Accumulibacter, the primary functional agent of enhanced biological phosphorus removal, based on 828 metagenomes from wastewater treatment plants across six continents. We recovered 104 high-quality Candidatus Accumulibacter metagenome-assembled genomes, discovering a new clade (Clade IV), substantially expanding the known phylogenetic diversity and revealing a ubiquitous yet geographically heterogeneous global distribution. Phylogenomic and pangenome analyses uncovered extensive clade-specific gene gain and loss, particularly in nitrogen metabolism, suggesting divergent evolutionary trajectories shaped by relaxed selection and niche adaptation. Genome-wide patterns of convergent streamlining and enriched antiviral defense systems indicate selective pressures from strong competition and viral predation. Constraint-based metabolic modeling revealed pervasive amino acid autotrophies and metabolic complementarity, coupled with distinct carbon utilization strategies that support ecological specialization across operational settings. Experimental validation reconciled model-phenotype discrepancies, highlighting the importance of transporter promiscuity and gene regulation in carbon substrate assimilation. Collectively, our findings redefine Candidatus Accumulibacter as a dynamic model of microbial genome plasticity, metabolic adaptation, and ecological resilience, providing an insight for understanding how microbial communities adapt and respond under engineered environmental conditions.