A Novel Bacterial Pathogen of Biomphalaria glabrata: A Potential Weapon for Schistosomiasis Control?

Type Article
Date 2015-02
Language English
Author(s) Duval DavidORCID1, 2, Galinier RichardORCID1, 2, Mouahid Gabriel1, 2, Toulza EveORCID1, 2, Allienne Jean Francois1, 2, Portela Julien1, 2, Calvayrac Christophe1, 3, Rognon Anne1, 2, Arancibia Nathalie1, 2, Mitta GuillaumeORCID1, 2, Theron Andre1, 2, Gourbal Benjamin1, 2
Affiliation(s) 1 : CNRS, UMR 5244, 2EI, Perpignan, France.
2 : Univ Perpignan, F-66025 Perpignan, France.
3 : EA 4215, LCBE, Perpignan, France.
Source Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases (1935-2735) (Public Library Science), 2015-02 , Vol. 9 , N. 2 , P. e0003489 (20p.)
DOI 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003489
WOS© Times Cited 32
Abstract

Background Schistosomiasis is the second-most widespread tropical parasitic disease after malaria. Various research strategies and treatment programs for achieving the objective of eradicating schistosomiasis within a decade have been recommended and supported by the World Health Organization. One of these approaches is based on the control of snail vectors in endemic areas. Previous field studies have shown that competitor or predator introduction can reduce snail numbers, but no systematic investigation has ever been conducted to identify snail microbial pathogens and evaluate their molluscicidal effects. Methodology/Principal findings In populations of Biomphalaria glabrata snails experiencing high mortalities, white nodules were visible on snail bodies. Infectious agents were isolated from such nodules. Only one type of bacteria, identified as a new species of Paenibacillus named Candidatus Paenibacillus glabratella, was found, and was shown to be closely related to P. alvei through 16S and Rpob DNA analysis. Histopathological examination showed extensive bacterial infiltration leading to overall tissue disorganization. Exposure of healthy snails to Paenibacillus-infected snails caused massive mortality. Moreover, eggs laid by infected snails were also infected, decreasing hatching but without apparent effects on spawning. Embryonic lethality was correlated with the presence of pathogenic bacteria in eggs. Conclusions/Significance This is the first account of a novel Paenibacillus strain, Ca. Paenibacillus glabratella, as a snail microbial pathogen. Since this strain affects both adult and embryonic stages and causes significant mortality, it may hold promise as a biocontrol agent to limit schistosomiasis transmission in the field.

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S1 Table. Accession numbers of the sequences used for phylogenetic analyses. 1 19 KB Open access
S1 Fig. Candidatus Paenibacillus glabratella on LB agar plate under anaerobic condition. 1 MB Open access
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How to cite 

Duval David, Galinier Richard, Mouahid Gabriel, Toulza Eve, Allienne Jean Francois, Portela Julien, Calvayrac Christophe, Rognon Anne, Arancibia Nathalie, Mitta Guillaume, Theron Andre, Gourbal Benjamin (2015). A Novel Bacterial Pathogen of Biomphalaria glabrata: A Potential Weapon for Schistosomiasis Control? Plos Neglected Tropical Diseases, 9(2), e0003489 (20p.). Publisher's official version : https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0003489 , Open Access version : https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00615/72716/