Metaproteomics characterization of the alphaproteobacteria microbiome in different developmental and feeding stages of the poultry red mite <i>Dermanyssus gallinae</i> (De Geer, 1778)
Creators: name: Lima-Barbero, José Francisco
name: Díaz-Sanchez, Sandra
name: Sparagano, Olivier
name: Finn, Robert D.
name: Fuente, José De La
name: Villar, Margarita
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2019
Subjects: subject: Microbiology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Genetics
subject: 59999 Environmental Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: FOS: Earth and related environmental sciences
subject: FOS: Earth and related environmental sciences
subject: Ecology
subject: 69999 Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: 110309 Infectious Diseases
subject: FOS: Health sciences
subject: FOS: Health sciences
subject: Computational Biology

description: The poultry red mite (PRM)<i>, Dermanyssus gallinae</i> (De Geer, 1778), is a worldwide distributed ectoparasite and considered a major pest affecting the laying hen industry in Europe. Based on available information in other ectoparasites, the mite microbiome might participate in several biological processes and the acquisition, maintenance and transmission of pathogens. However, little is known about the role of PRM as a mechanical carrier or a biological vector in the transmission of pathogenic bacteria. Herein, we used a metaproteomics approach to characterize the alphaproteobacteria in the microbiota of PRM, and variations in its profile with ectoparasite development (nymphs vs. adults) and feeding (unfed vs. fed). The results showed that the bacterial community associated with <i>D. gallinae</i> was mainly composed of environmental and commensal bacteria. Putative symbiotic bacteria of the genera <i>Wolbachia, C. Tokpelaia</i> and <i>Sphingomonas</i> were identified, together with potential pathogenic bacteria of the genera <i>Inquilinus</i>, <i>Neorickettsia</i> and <i>Roseomonas.</i> Significant differences in the composition of alphaproteobacterial microbiota were associated with mite development and feeding, suggesting that bacteria have functional implications in metabolic pathways associated with blood feeding. These results support the use of metaproteomics for the characterization of alphaproteobacteria associated with the <i>D. gallinae</i> microbiota that could provide relevant information for the understanding of mite-host interactions and the development of potential control interventions. <b>Research highlights</b>Metaproteomics is a valid approach for microbiome characterization in ectoparasites.Alphaproteobacteria putative bacterial symbionts were identified in <i>D. gallinae</i>.Mite development and feeding were related to variations in bacterial community.Potentially pathogenic bacteria were identified in mite microbiota. Metaproteomics is a valid approach for microbiome characterization in ectoparasites. Alphaproteobacteria putative bacterial symbionts were identified in <i>D. gallinae</i>. Mite development and feeding were related to variations in bacterial community. Potentially pathogenic bacteria were identified in mite microbiota.