Expression and function of two olfactory-related genes in response to methyl salicylate in the wolf spider Pardosa pseudoannulata (Araneae: Lycosidae)

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  Expression and function of two olfactory-related genes in response to methyl salicylate in the wolf spider Pardosa pseudoannulata (Araneae: Lycosidae) The wolf spider ( Pardosa pseudoannulata ) is common in rice fields. Olfaction is crucial for perceiving chemical information, and our previous research indicated that methyl salicylate (MeSA), a common herbivore-induced plant volatile (HIPV), significantly attracts P. pseudoannulata . However, few studies have examined the functions of spiders' olfactory-related genes and their interactions with HIPVs. This study aimed to identify olfactory-related genes associated with MeSA in P. pseudoannulata . Transcriptome analysis revealed four differentially expressed olfactory-related genes in response to MeSA in P. pseudoannulata . Subsequent molecular docking analysis indicated that MeSA had a strong predicted binding affinity with proteins of two key olfactory-related genes ( PpseNPC2-7 and PpseSNMP2 ). These two genes were cloned, and...

Reptile Exposure in Human Salmonellosis Cases and Salmonella Serotypes Isolated from Reptiles, Ontario, Canada, 2015–2022

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Reptile Exposure in Human Salmonellosis Cases and Salmonella Serotypes Isolated from Reptiles, Ontario, Canada, 2015–2022

Abstract


Reptile-associated outbreaks of human Salmonella infections are increasing in Canada, coinciding with a rise in the popularity of reptiles as pets. We conducted a retrospective analysis of surveillance data for human Salmonella case-patients in Ontario during 2015–2022. We compared serotypes and reptile types for those reporting domestic reptile or amphibian exposure with veterinary Salmonella isolates reported during the same period. Case-patients commonly reported contact with reptile types from which Salmonella was most frequently isolated. Some serotypes from human case-patients were closely associated with contact with specific reptile types, including Salmonella Paratyphi B biovar Java (Salmonella Paratyphi B variant L (+) tartrate +) with snakes, Salmonella Agbeni with turtles, and Salmonella Cotham, Salmonella Chester, and Salmonella Tennessee with bearded dragons. Salmonella was most likely to be reported from reptiles fed a carnivorous diet. Education of reptile owners could help promote proper veterinary care and reduce transmission of zoonotic infections.


Paphitis, K., Reid, A., Golightly, H. R., Adams, J. A., Corbeil, A., Majury, A....McClinchey, H. (2025). Reptile Exposure in Human Salmonellosis Cases and Salmonella Serotypes Isolated from Reptiles, Ontario, Canada, 2015–2022. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 31(10), 1912-1921. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3110.241803.