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Populations of Stored Product Mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae Differ in Their Bacterial Communities

Tomas Erban1, Pavel B Klimov2, Jaroslav Smrz3

  • 1Biologically Active Substances in Crop Protection, Crop Research Institute Prague, Czech Republic.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|July 28, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The bacterial communities of the dust mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae vary by habitat and diet, with Solitalea found in all populations. Vertical transmission of symbiotic bacteria like Wolbachia and Cardinium occurs from mother to offspring.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Mite Biology
  • Symbiotic Relationships

Background:

  • Tyrophagus putrescentiae is a common mite found in human environments, feeding on stored food.
  • Mite microbiota can impact their nutritional capabilities and adaptability.
  • Bacterial communities vary across different mite populations and habitats.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the bacterial communities of multiple Tyrophagus putrescentiae populations from diverse habitats.
  • To investigate the influence of diet and habitat on mite-associated bacteria.
  • To identify symbiotic bacteria and their transmission patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Sanger sequencing of 16S rRNA genes from mite samples (adults, juveniles, eggs).
  • Use of universal and taxon-specific bacterial primers.
  • Microscopic and histological examination to localize bacteria.
  • Confirmation of mite species identification using CO1 and ITS gene fragments.

Main Results:

  • Symbiotic bacteria identified include Wolbachia, Cardinium, Bartonella-like, Blattabacterium-like, and Solitalea-like.
  • Solitalea was the only bacterial genus detected in all analyzed mite populations.
  • Other frequent bacteria included Bacillus, Moraxella, Staphylococcus, Kocuria, and Microbacterium.
  • Bacteria were observed within mite bacteriocytes and in the ovaria of some populations, indicating vertical transmission.

Conclusions:

  • Vertical transmission of bacteria (Blattabacterium-like, Cardinium, Wolbachia, Solitalea-like) from parent to offspring was confirmed.
  • Mite diet and habitat significantly influence both ingested and symbiotic bacterial communities.
  • Understanding mite microbiota is crucial for managing mite populations and their impact.
Keywords:
16S rRNABlattabacteriumTyrophagus putrescentiaeWolbachiabacteriafeedingsymbiont

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