Development of a metabolomics-based detection method of filarial infective larvae from blood-sucking insects

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K06421
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 42020:Veterinary medical science-related
• Research Institution: Oita University
• Principal Investigator: FUKUDA Masako 大分大学, 医学部, 助教 (00156788)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 大塚 靖 鹿児島大学, 総合科学域総合研究学系, 准教授 (00244161)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: メタボローム解析 / 吸血性昆虫 / ブユ / フィラリア感染幼虫 / 野生動物 / 人獣共通オンコセルカ症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

To prevent zoonotic filarial infections, searching for the natural vectors (blood-sucking insects) of filariae is needed. We tried to develop a novel efficient method for the detection of filarial third-stage larvae from blood-sucking insects. Microfilariae of Onchocerca japonica (the causative agent of zoonotic onchocercosis in Japan) were injected intrathoracially into newly-emerged black flies for larval development. Metabolites in microfilariae, first-, second-, and third-stage larvae obtained from the flies were analyzed using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. Multivariate analysis of the data showed the complete separation of the four developmental stage groups. Metabolome analysis may be a useful tool for detection of filarial third-stage larvae.

Free Research Field

衛生動物学、医昆虫学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

吸血性昆虫内の感染幼虫を顕微鏡下で形態観察により同定する従来の媒介者検索法は煩雑であった。そのため人獣共通オンコセルカ（フィラリア）症の伝播サイクルの解明は進んでいなかった。メタボローム解析による今までにない効率的なフィラリア感染幼虫の検出法が実用化できれば、媒介者の検索が容易になる。本症の感染予防を促進するだけでなく、新たな人獣共通フィラリア症発生の可能性を予測することにも寄与できる。