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Cardinium endosymbionts are widespread in synanthropic mite species (Acari: Astigmata)

Jan Kopecky1, M Alejandra Perotti, Marta Nesvorna

  • 1Crop Research Institute, Drnovska 507, Praha 6-Ruzyne, CZ 161 06, Czech Republic.

Journal of Invertebrate Pathology
|November 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study identified Cardinium bacteria in Astigmata mites, finding 100% prevalence in both lab and wild populations. This indicates a high incidence of this endosymbiont in mites compared to other chelicerates.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Zoology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • 'Candidatus Cardinium' are intracellular endosymbionts or parasites commonly found in invertebrates like mites and ticks.
  • Their prevalence and impact across diverse invertebrate groups, particularly mites, require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report the presence of Cardinium bacteria in Astigmata mites.
  • To investigate the incidence and prevalence of Cardinium in both laboratory-reared and wild synanthropic mite populations.
  • To compare Cardinium prevalence in mites to other chelicerate groups.

Main Methods:

  • Bacterial 16S rRNA gene fragment amplification using specific primers.
  • DNA sequencing and analysis of amplified gene fragments.
  • Large-scale screening of laboratory and wild mite populations for Cardinium presence.

Main Results:

  • Cardinium sequences were identified in 13 laboratory-reared and three wild populations of Astigmata mites.
  • The prevalence of Cardinium reached 100% in the screened mite populations.
  • This 100% prevalence represents the highest incidence of Cardinium reported in major chelicerate groups.

Conclusions:

  • Astigmata mites harbor Cardinium bacteria with exceptionally high prevalence.
  • Cardinium appears to be a ubiquitous endosymbiont in the studied mite populations.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the ecological and evolutionary implications of this high Cardinium incidence in mites.

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